Which of the following is a common tool used by court reporters?

A stenotype machine is a specialized keyboard that allows court reporters to type spoken words at high speeds, capturing everything that is said during a court proceeding. This tool is integral to the profession, as it enables court reporters to create verbatim transcripts of legal proceedings in real-time. The machine uses a unique chorded system, allowing the reporter to press multiple keys simultaneously to spell out words phonetically, thereby increasing efficiency and speed.

While voice recognition software can be used in some contexts, it does not offer the same level of accuracy and real-time transcription that a stenotype machine provides for court reporting. Word processing software and typing pads are more general tools less tailored to the specific demands of court reporting, such as the need for immediate transcription and the ability to capture nuances in spoken dialogue. Thus, the stenotype machine remains the essential tool for professional court reporters.