A court reporter is a professional who transcribes spoken words during legal proceedings, such as trials and depositions. They use specialized equipment, like a stenotype machine, to capture everything said in real-time, ensuring an accurate record of the proceedings. This record can be used for appeals, legal documentation, and reference in future cases. In addition to transcribing, court reporters may also provide services like creating transcripts from audio recordings or providing real-time captioning for the hearing impaired. Their work is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the legal process and ensuring that all spoken words are documented accurately for judges, lawyers, and litigants.