Court Shorthand-Typists Do Exacting Work

Press, Volume C, Issue 29684, 30 November 1961, Page 2

Court Shorthand-Typists Do Exacting Work

Shorthand-typing positions that require much skin and concentration are held by several young women in Christchurch. They are the Justice Department typists who work at the Magistrates’ Court. “We have a minimum shorthand standard of about 110 words a minute, but in practice we have to do anything up to about 150 words a minute,” said Miss Connie Mclntosh, a senior typist.

This was because they had to take down al! the evidence in defended criminal and civil cases. ‘The witnesses, of course, speak at their normal speed, often faster if they are nervous,” she said. Although the evidence was given in questton-and-a newer form, the shorthand writers had to twist it round into narrative form. "This save? a lot of duplication, as what the counsel asks is frequently repeated by the witness, with further information added. So we write the story in the flrst person, from the witness’s point of view. This also makes it easier to follow later.” said Miss Mclntosh. During the cross-examina-tion, however, the reports are usually taken down in question-and-answer form. Accuracy Needed The shorthand notes have to be clear and accurate, as they may need to be transcribed should the magistrate require them, or when a decision or judgment is appealed against. Sometimes there can be considerable delays, particularly with appeals in civil cases, and on at least three occasions recently shorthand notes a year old had to be transcribed. "It is amazing how you can recall the case once you start typing the notes,” said Miss Mclntosh Each girl takes a whole ease, and her name is written beside it in a log book for easy reference, and the books of shorthand notes are carefully filed. Verbatim Reports Sometimes typewriters have to be taken into court, to take down verbatim depositions in cases concerning indictable offences. The de-

positions are typed as they are given, then immediately read and signed. "Even though we had covers over our typewriters, the noise and strain were pretty terrific until we acquired noiseless typewriters,” said Miss Mclntosh. The strain of taking down shorthand notes is also very great. “Sometimes there may be several shorter cases in a day. but on the other hand there are days when a case may continue all day,” said Mis's Mclntosh. Strong concentrating ability was required on such a day. General Knowledge The girls find that their general knowledge increases rapidly after a very short time at court work. "We never know ■what subject we will meet each day, particularly in the civil cases, and if we don't know anything about it to start with w’e very soon do,” said Miss Mclntosh. For instance, a recent civil case was concerned with car engines. "We felt we almost needed a mechanic’s training to follow it,” she said. But although court work is hectic. Miss Mclntosh finds it extremely satisfying. “I think it is because you are dealing with people and with human nature.” she said. "There is never a dull moment, and there are many lighter moments among the stories of conflicts and problems. But we have to learn to remain detached—we cannot allow ourselves to become emotionally involved in what we see in front of us.* Increasing Importance The job is a comparatively new one for women. The first reference to shorthand-taking in the log book is in 1957, but it did not become a regu-

lar practice until the following year. Previously magistrates took their own notes. The magistrates still take notes on cases, but they can now be less extensive, as a full transcript is available if required. This means that more cases can be put through. The work of the girls has expanded rapidly. In October and November. 1959. they were engaged in 61 court cases, which involved 176 hours of court work. During the same period in 1960 they worked on 86 cases, involving 218 hours. In October and November of this year they have handled 208 cases, involving 412 hours. “The number of cases taken by the court is increasing steadily, but I think there has been a large jump in the number we have been called on to cover,” said Miss McIntosh.