CART in the Courtroom
Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART)/Real-Time Captioning in the Courtroom
What is CART?
Communication Access Realtime Translation enables communication for individuals with hearing loss who are fluent in written English. In general, real-time captioning is used by individuals who are Deaf, deaf, late-deafened or hard of hearing may require CART rather than a sign language interpreter.
A CART provider's role is to facilitate communication by giving a word-for-word speech to text interpreting with only the text appearing on a screen. A very fast typist, many of whom have certification in real-time captioning uses a special keyboard to record an event word for word. They are specially trained and use a steno machine, a laptop computer and realtime software. Messages are sent from the special keyboard to a screen that the person with the hearing loss reads. While the official court reporter provides the official record of the proceedings, the CART provider assumes an interpretive role – never should one person do both.
Like a sign language interpreter, a CART provider may be requested by a party to a case, a witness, a juror or a spectator. CART may be requested by someone waiting during jury assembly and selection. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this request should be given first preference and OSCA pays the bill for services in any type of court proceeding.
A CART provider must be fair and impartial, and any conflict of interest (or perceived conflict of interest) shall be disclosed by the provider. The National Court Reporters Association Professional Directory lets you search to find vendors by products/services, company name, keyword or location. Use this tool to search for captioners who are available to work in Missouri courts. Because their services are in high demand and supply is limited, please schedule as soon as the need is identified.
Preparation
In order to be effective during an assignment, a CART provider may request information to determine if there is a conflict of interest, if they have the skills and knowledge for a particular type of case, or to create a job dictionary which enhances their abilities on the job. A CART provider may wish to review a file or ask for information such as names of parties, witnesses, attorneys, the judge, or unique terminology (anatomy? technical terms from specific fields like computer science? drug or pharmaceutical terms?).
Setup
The CART provider will consider lighting and line of sight when selecting the best place to set up their equipment. Some CART consumers prefer a large screen display, while others prefer looking at the provider's laptop. The CART provider and consumer will discuss to determine the most effective display option. The CART provider will need access to electricity, but will typically carry their own extension cord, surge protector and adapter. They may or may not need a screen – most courts have one available for trials.
Oath
"You do solemnly swear or affirm to accurately translate English into realtime translation to the best of your ability?"
Procedures & Protocol
The CART provider should discuss their role with the judge, the attorneys and the consumer, and agree on a method to interrupt if the provider cannot hear or understand a speaker.
The CART provider will accompany a juror in the jury room and may ask jurors to sit in the same seats throughout deliberation so the provider does not misidentify anyone and making it easier for the consumer to communicate with their fellow jurors on a first name basis.
The CART provider will stay "in the role," declining invitations to comment, interject or advise either the consumer or other officers of the court.
The CART provider will delete all files after the assignments in order to preserve the privacy and confidentiality of the assignment.
Breaks
Remember, the CART provider needs breaks, too. If the service is provided for a defendant, their attorney will want to talk with their client during recess or lunch. Each situation is different, so talk to the provider to find out how they prefer to handle it, so they can use the restroom, get a drink of water, or eat lunch, AND facilitate communication.
Resources
National Court Reporters Association
Missouri Court Reporters Association
What is CART?
Communication Access Realtime Translation enables communication for individuals with hearing loss who are fluent in written English. In general, real-time captioning is used by individuals who are Deaf, deaf, late-deafened or hard of hearing may require CART rather than a sign language interpreter.
A CART provider's role is to facilitate communication by giving a word-for-word speech to text interpreting with only the text appearing on a screen. A very fast typist, many of whom have certification in real-time captioning uses a special keyboard to record an event word for word. They are specially trained and use a steno machine, a laptop computer and realtime software. Messages are sent from the special keyboard to a screen that the person with the hearing loss reads. While the official court reporter provides the official record of the proceedings, the CART provider assumes an interpretive role – never should one person do both.
Like a sign language interpreter, a CART provider may be requested by a party to a case, a witness, a juror or a spectator. CART may be requested by someone waiting during jury assembly and selection. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this request should be given first preference and OSCA pays the bill for services in any type of court proceeding.
A CART provider must be fair and impartial, and any conflict of interest (or perceived conflict of interest) shall be disclosed by the provider. The National Court Reporters Association Professional Directory lets you search to find vendors by products/services, company name, keyword or location. Use this tool to search for captioners who are available to work in Missouri courts. Because their services are in high demand and supply is limited, please schedule as soon as the need is identified.
Preparation
In order to be effective during an assignment, a CART provider may request information to determine if there is a conflict of interest, if they have the skills and knowledge for a particular type of case, or to create a job dictionary which enhances their abilities on the job. A CART provider may wish to review a file or ask for information such as names of parties, witnesses, attorneys, the judge, or unique terminology (anatomy? technical terms from specific fields like computer science? drug or pharmaceutical terms?).
Setup
The CART provider will consider lighting and line of sight when selecting the best place to set up their equipment. Some CART consumers prefer a large screen display, while others prefer looking at the provider's laptop. The CART provider and consumer will discuss to determine the most effective display option. The CART provider will need access to electricity, but will typically carry their own extension cord, surge protector and adapter. They may or may not need a screen – most courts have one available for trials.
Oath
"You do solemnly swear or affirm to accurately translate English into realtime translation to the best of your ability?"
Procedures & Protocol
The CART provider should discuss their role with the judge, the attorneys and the consumer, and agree on a method to interrupt if the provider cannot hear or understand a speaker.
The CART provider will accompany a juror in the jury room and may ask jurors to sit in the same seats throughout deliberation so the provider does not misidentify anyone and making it easier for the consumer to communicate with their fellow jurors on a first name basis.
The CART provider will stay "in the role," declining invitations to comment, interject or advise either the consumer or other officers of the court.
The CART provider will delete all files after the assignments in order to preserve the privacy and confidentiality of the assignment.
Breaks
Remember, the CART provider needs breaks, too. If the service is provided for a defendant, their attorney will want to talk with their client during recess or lunch. Each situation is different, so talk to the provider to find out how they prefer to handle it, so they can use the restroom, get a drink of water, or eat lunch, AND facilitate communication.
Resources
National Court Reporters Association
Missouri Court Reporters Association