Opinion
December 21, 2005.
ORDER
The attached Supreme Court Rules Relating to the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters are hereby amended, effective January 3, 2006.
By order of the Court, this 21st day of December, 2005.
RULES RELATING TO THE STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF COURT REPORTERS Rule 301 STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF COURT REPORTERS
There is hereby created a board to be known as the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters, which which, subject to direction and approval of the Supreme Court, shall have general supervision over the granting of certificates of eligibility for certified shorthand court reporters and over the conduct of all court reporters holding such certificates.
Rule 302 MEMBERSHIP — APPOINTMENT
The members of the board shall be appointed by the Supreme Court for regular terms or to fill vacancies. The board shall consist of not more than nine members, the number to be determined by the Supreme Court. The board shall consist of not less than two judges of the district court, two attorneys engaged in the active practice of law, and one official reporter of the district court. Each appointment shall be for a term of three years or such lesser term as the Supreme Court may set. If any reporter or judge shall cease to hold office that person's membership on the board shall terminate.
Rule 303 ORGANIZATION — QUORUM
Within ten days after appointment and at each yearly meeting thereafter, a A chairperson and secretary shall be elected from the membership of the board at the October meeting. Three Five members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.
Rule 304 DUTIES AND POWERS; IMMUNITY
(a) The board shall conduct such preliminary investigations as may be necessary to determine the qualifications of the applicants to be examined; shall conduct examinations of applicants for certificates; may conduct inquiries respecting the efficiency of reporters to whom certificates have been issued, and shall investigate complaints for the suspension or revocation of any certificate previously issued and conduct hearings as outlined in Board Rule No. 9. Each member of the board is empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses and take evidence at any place within the state concerning any matter within the jurisdiction of said board. (b) Complaints, reports, or testimony in the course of proceedings under these rules shall be deemed to be made in the course of judicial proceedings. Members of the Board and Board staff shall be absolutely immune from suit for all conduct in the course of their official duties. All other participants shall be entitled to all rights, privileges, and immunities afforded to participants in actions filed in the courts of this state.
Rule 305 MEETINGS
The board shall hold regular meetings to conduct examinations of applicants for certificates at a place designated by the board in October of each year, on a date or dates to be selected by the board, and may hold special meetings at such times and places as it may deem necessary.
Rule 306 RULES
Subject to the approval of the Court, the board may make rules relating to the examination of applicants, as well as rules governing the conduct of any reporter who holds a certificate. and when When approved by the Court, they shall be published as a part of the Rules of the Court.
Rule 307 APPLICATION — EXAMINATION FEE
All applicants for examination shall make written application upon a form approved by the board and furnished by its secretary or the Clerk of the Appellate Courts. All applicants must be at least eighteen years of age and must be a graduate of a high school or possess an equivalent education. Such application shall be filed in duplicate with the Clerk of the Appellate Courts at least thirty days prior to any regular or special examination and shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $125, payable to the Clerk of the Appellate Courts, and accompanied by not less than 3 affidavits or certificates, on forms to be supplied by the Clerk of the Appellate Courts, from responsible persons unrelated to the applicant by marriage or blood attesting that the applicant is a person of good moral character. If the applicant does not take the examination for which application is made or if the applicant fails to pass the required examination, the original application shall remain valid for the next ensuing examination, the applicant fee shall remain valid for a period of one year from the filing of the original application; however, the applicant must notify the Clerk of the Appellate Courts in writing by the filing deadline that when he or she intends to take the examination and file an updated application or a letter verifying that the application on file remains current. Payment of a nonrefundable fee of $125 must accompany the notification. Should the applicant fail to pass the required examination, subsequent examinations may be taken upon the filing of an updated application or a letter verifying that the application on file remains current and the payment of a $125 fee for each taking.
Rule 308 EXAMINATION
(a) Notes may be taken by any recognized system of shorthand, including the use of a shorthand stenographic or voice writing machine. Each applicant shall state the system the applicant uses in taking notes and shall demonstrate that the applicant follows the principles of such system with sufficient accuracy that other persons who use the same system can read the notes readily. Applicants shall be required to write from dictation at speedsas may be determined by the board from court proceedings and testimony of 180 words per minute (medical testimony, two voices), 200 words per minute (solid matter, one voice), and 225 words per minute (ordinary testimony, two voices), and to transcribe therefrom as may be determined by the board. Each dictation segment shall be transcribed at 95% accuracy or better with no more than 45 errors at 180 words per minute, 50 errors at 200 words per minute, and 57 errors at 225 words per minute. Each dictation segment shall be of five minutes' duration. They Applicants shall furnish their own machines equipment andwriting materials.
(b) Applicants shall be examined by written examination with respect to their knowledge of the duties of a court reporter and of general court procedure and legal terminology at 70% accuracy or better.
(c) Speed and accuracy in taking, transcribing and reading notes will be the chief basis of the test, but punctuation, spelling and style of transcribing and general education shall be given due consideration.
(d) Any certificate holder who desires certification in a system of verbatim reporting different than that system in which the reporter has already been certified by the board shall, prior to employing that system in the courts of this state, file with the Clerk of the Appellate Courts an application on a form prescribed by the board, stating the system to which the applicant desires to change and asking permission to take an examination for certification in that system. The application shall be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $125. No certificate shall be valid for any system of verbatim reporting other than that for which it is issued.
Rule 309 ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES
(a) Any person who desires to obtain a certificate shall make the application and take the examination provided for by Rules Nos. 307 and 308. Unless some reason appears why it should not be done, the Supreme Court shall issue a certificate to each person who takes the examination and is favorably recommended by the Board of Examiners.
(b) If any person who has passed the CSR examination previously but not received certification for reasons of residency desires to receive certification, such person shall, without payment of additional fees, file a current application for certification before his or her certificate is considered by the board.
(c) Individuals who hold the designation of registered professional reporter a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certificate from the National Court Reporters' Reporters Association or a Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) certificate from the National Verbatim Court Reporters Association by passing said association's examination and are in good standing with such association may, on application to the Board of Examiners (per Supreme Court Rule 307) become a Kansas CertifiedShorthand Court Reporter upon successfully passing a written examination with respect to their knowledge of the duties of a court reporter, of court procedure and general legal terminology.
(d) Individuals who hold a valid and unrevoked certified court reporter or certified shorthand reporter certificate or license issued by a state other than Kansas where an exam is given which is equivalent to or more stringent than the current Kansas exam may, on application to the Board of Examiners (per Supreme Court Rule 307) become a Kansas Certified Court Reporter on the following conditions:
(1) proof of passage of another state's examination equivalent to or more stringent than the Kansas exam,
(2) proof of passage of the other state's examination within three years prior to application in Kansas or proof acceptable to the Board of Examiners of five years' practice experience as a court reporter, and
(3) successful completion of this state's written examination with respect to the applicant's knowledge of the duties of a court reporter, of court procedure and general legal terminology.
Rule 310 TITLE AND RIGHT TO ITS USE; ANNUAL RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATE
(a) Any person to whom a certificate is issued shall have the right to use the title "Certified Shorthand Court Reporter," or the abbreviation therefor, "C.S.R." "C.C.R." Individuals to whom certificates were issued prior to July 1, 2006, may continue to use the title "Certified Shorthand Reporter," or the abbreviation therefor, "C.S.R." The use of such title or abbreviation by a person who does not hold such a certificate shall be regarded as contempt of court and may be punished accordingly.
(b) Effective July 1, 2006, certificate holders in Kansas shall register annually on a form provided by the Clerk of the Appellate Courts and shall pay a certification renewal fee established by Supreme Court Order. On or before May 1 of each year the Clerk of the Appellate Courts shall mail to each certificate holder, at his or her last known address, a statement of the amount of the renewal fee to be paid for the next year. The registration form and renewal fee must be received in the Clerk's Office on or before June 30. Failure of any certificate holder to receive a statement from the Clerk shall not excuse payment of the renewal fee. Every certificate holder shall within thirty days after any change of address notify the Clerk of such change. On July 1 of each year, all certificates which have not been renewed by payment of the annual renewal fee shall expire. An expired certificate may be reinstated up to and including June 30 of the following year upon payment of the delinquent renewal fee and a reinstatement fee equal in amount to the renewal fee. After that time an expired certificate shall not be subject to reinstatement without examination. (c) A court reporter who is no longer certified may produce certified transcripts of those proceedings which took place while the reporter's certificate was valid.
Rule 311 SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION
Upon reasonable notice to the holder, and after a hearing and for good cause shown, any certificate previously issued may be suspended or revoked by order of the Supreme Court.
RULE 312 TEMPORARY CERTIFICATE
(a) Any applicant to take the court reporter examination whose application to sit has been approved by the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters may file with the Clerk of the Appellate Courts a request for a temporary certificate, accompanied by a nonrefundable $50 filing fee.
(b) A temporary certificate may be issued to an official court reporter only if recruitment efforts in a particular county have been unsuccessful and the personnel officer requests the Supreme Court to issue a temporary certificate to a person the personnel officer deems qualified and who has a CSR an application on file with the Clerk of the Appellate Courts. No filing fee shall be required.
(c) The temporary certificate shall be valid until the next regular or special examination held by the Board of Examiners, but if such examination is given within forty days after issuance of a temporary certificate, the candidate may continue to serve under the temporary certificate until the next regular or special examination. No more than one temporary certificate shall be issued to the same person except upon the written recommendation of the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters.
(d) Any reporter working under a temporary certificate shall have in place a tape back-up for any proceedings taken.
(e) A transcript certified by a reporter working under a temporary certificate shall have the same effect as one certified by a regularly licensed court reporter.
Rule 313 FUND — EXPENSES
The examination fees referred to in Rule No. 307 and the renewal fees referred to in Rule 310 shall constitute a fund to be known as the "Court Reporters Fund," and shall be held and accounted for by the Clerk of the Appellate Courts as provided by law. From this fund the Clerk shall pay all expenses of the Board of Examiners incident to the consideration of applications,conducting conduct of examinations, and the issuance of certificates, to each attorney member of the Board of Examiners ten dollars per day for the time actually consumed by such member in the work of the board, consideration of complaints, conduct of hearings, and to each member of the board the actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of board duties. The Clerk shall make such payments upon itemized vouchers duly certified by the chairperson and secretary of the board and approved upon approval by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
OFFICIAL COURT REPORTERS Rule 350
Appointment of official court reporters shall be in accordance with the provisions of the Kansas Court Personnel Rules Rules Relating to the Kansas Court Personnel System.
Rule 352
All such court reporters shall be officers of the court and shall be known as official court reporters of the judicial district. Each official court reporter shall take the oath or affirmation prescribed by K.S.A. 54-106.
Rule 353
No official court reporter shall be related by blood or marriage to the judge of the division of court in which the reporter is employed or assigned.
Rule 354
It shall be the duty of the official court reporter to attend upon the sessions of court to which the reporter is assigned when required by the judge thereof or by the administrative chief judge. The official court reporter shall take full stenographic verbatim notes of the proceedings tried before the court as the judge thereof shall direct. Such notes shall be taken on a machine with read-back capability. The judge shall cause to have entered on the appearance/trial docket the name of the court reporter taking stenographic verbatim notes of any such proceedings.
Rule 355
The official court reporter or anyone acting in that capacity shall file all original stenographic verbatim notes and all exhibits admitted in evidence in the office of the clerk of such court, and they shall remain a part of the files in the office of the clerk until further order of the court.
Rule 356
Each official court reporter shall receive from any person ordering a transcript from his or her official notes a reasonable fee based on rates fixed by the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters with the approval of the Supreme Court. Upon payment or tender of the fees therefor, the official court reporter shall furnish the transcript requested. Preparation of transcripts for use in an appeal shall be governed by Rule 3.03.
Rule 357
Official court reporters shall be subject to assignment to any court or division within a judicial district by theadministrative chief judge of such judicial district. They shall also be subject to assignment on a temporary basis to serve any court or judge outside the district by departmental justices. Official court reporters, when assigned, shall not receive additional compensation for such services but shall be entitled to reimbursement by the state for travel and subsistence expenses incurred while in the performance of their official duties away from their official stations and within the State of Kansas.
Rule 358
The district court may employ a certified shorthand court reporter in general practice on a temporary or relief basis who shall be compensated for such services at a sum approved by theadministrative chief judge which shall not exceed $200 per full day, plus necessary travel and subsistence expenses, the same to be paid from the court's county operating fund.
ELECTRONIC TAPES RECORDINGS — TRANSCRIPTS Rule 360
A district court may provide for the electronic sound recording of court proceedings by use of equipment which meets specifications approved by the Supreme Court.
Rule 361
Each reel of electronic tape recording shall be distinctively marked with a serial number and an appropriate reference to the court in which it is used. The clerk of the district court shall maintain an index to proceedings that are electronically recorded which identifies the reel or reels used for such purpose the electronic recordings which identifies the proceedings contained on such electronic recordings. The clerk shall maintain general control and provide for the safekeeping of all tapes electronic recordings.
Rule 362
Written transcripts of electronic recordings shall be prepared by court personnel under the direction of the clerk of the district court. The person making the transcript shall certify under seal of the court that the transcript is a correct transcript of the specified proceedings as recorded. Upon request of counsel, the clerk of the district court shall make arrangements for counsel to review the tapes electronic recordings of the case involved. The clerk may correct a transcript of recorded proceedings upon stipulation by counsel or upon order of the court.
Rule 363
A certified transcript produced from approved electronic recordings shall have the same legal effect as one produced by an official court reporter.
Rule 364
Supreme Court rules relating to the ordering, preparation, and delivery of official transcripts prepared by official court reporters shall also apply to transcripts to be prepared from electronic tapes recordings under direction of the clerk of the district court.
Rule 365
Orders for transcripts from electronic tapes recordings shall be made to the clerk of the district court. The rates charged by the clerk for such transcripts shall be the same as authorized for transcripts prepared by official court reporters.
RULES ADOPTED BY THE STATE BOARD OF EXAMINERS OF COURT REPORTERS
No. 1. The word "Board," as used in these Rules, means the State Board of Examiners of Court Reporters.
No. 2. The terms "Shorthand," "verbatim notes" and "verbatim reporting," as used in these Rules includes not only shorthand written with pen or pencil, but that written by machines stenographic and voice methods of preserving the record.
No. 3. An applicant to become a certified shorthand court reporter shall not be examined until the applicant has satisfied the board as follows:
(A)A. That the applicant is a person of good moral characterand of good health.
(B)B. That the applicant's educational and special training includes at least one of the following:
(1)1. Graduation from and completion of a court reporting course in a business college or other school licensed or accredited by the State of Kansas or the state where such school is located. For good cause shown the Board may waive the formal educational requirement.
(2)2. That the applicant isthe holder of the certificate of proficiency or the certificate of merit issuedcertified as a Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) by the NationalShorthandCourt Reporters Association or certified as a Certified Verbatim Reporter (CVR) by the National Verbatim Court Reporters Association.
(3)3. That the applicant has had at least two years of experience in making verbatim records of judicial or related proceedingsby means of pen or machine shorthandin the system of verbatim reporting which the applicant seeks certification.
(4)4. That the applicant holds a valid and unrevoked certificate as a certified shorthand reporter or certified court reporter issued under the laws of any other state or territory of the United States.
No. 4. One desiring to obtain a certificate as a certifiedshorthand court reporter shall prepare in duplicate an application on the form prepared by the Board and file the same with the Clerk of the Supreme Court Appellate Courts at least thirty days prior to any regular or special examination by the Board. The Clerk shall keep one copy for his the permanent file and transmit the other to the secretary of the Board.
No. 5. Upon receiving an application, the Board shall make such preliminary inquiries as it deems proper and determine whether the applicant appears to have the requisite learning and other qualifications suitable to take an examination for certification as a certified shorthand court reporter and inform the Clerk of the Supreme Court Appellate Courts of the result of their investigation.
No. 6. Examination.
A. Applicants shall be required towrite shorthandtake verbatim notes from dictation of regular court proceedings, or such other matter as may be selected by the Board,for such period as shall be required, at speeds as may be determined by the Board.An applicant who passes one or more portions of the dictated examination may carry over those passing scores for three consecutive examinations.
B. Any generally recognized system of reporting may be used in taking the examination.
C. Applicants shall be examined with respect to their knowledge of the duties of a court reporter, of court procedure and general legal terminology.
D. Applicants shall be required to transcribe or read aloud such portions of the dictation as the Board may indicate.
E. Applicants shall be required to furnish their own equipment and materials, including books, papers and typewriters;and shallmakeprint their own transcriptson a typewriterfor submission to the Board.
F. Speed and accuracy in taking, transcribing and reading of notes will be the chief basis of the tests, but punctuation, spelling and style of transcript and general education shall be given due consideration.
G. Upon completion of the examination, allshorthandverbatim notes, transcripts and other papers in connection with an examination shall be returned to and remain in the custody of the Board.
No. 7. Examinations will be held in the city of Topeka in October of each year, on a date or dates selected by the Board or at such other times or places designated by the Board. Advance notice of the time and place of the examination shall be given by the Board in such manner and form as it deems proper.
No. 8. Any person who has successfully passed the examinations provided for by these Rules shall be by the Board recommended to the Supreme Court for the issuance of a certificate as a Certified Shorthand Court Reporter.
No. 9. Fees shall be paid and examinations conducted as provided by the Rules of the Supreme Court and the Rules of this Board.
No. 10 9. The Board shall investigate any complaint respecting the work or conduct of any person to whom a certificate has been issued and report to the Court the result of their investigation and their recommendation in respect thereto. This Rule shall not prevent the Court from making an investigation on its own motion, or upon a complaint made directly to the Court. The Board may, upon its own motion or upon complaint of a third party, initiate an investigation and, if necessary, commence disciplinary proceedings against any certificate holder the Board determines has committed any of the prohibited conduct set forth in subsection F below.
A. Complaints against a certificate holder brought by a third party must be in writing, signed by the complainant, filed with the Board, and contain substantiating evidence to support the complainant's allegations. The complaint shall include the complainant's address and telephone number.
B. Any complaint, which will be held in confidence by the staff in the Appellate Clerk's Office and the Board, shall be reviewed by the Board. If the Board determines that the complaint has no merit, the Board shall order it dismissed. If the Board determines the complaint has merit, the Board shall, in writing, advise the certificate holder of the complaint. The certificate holder shall have twenty days from receipt of the Board's notice to answer the complaint in writing. Once an answer has been received, the Board shall then review again the complaint being made. If the Board determines the complaint has no merit, the Board shall order the complaint dismissed. The Board may, in its discretion, issue to the certificate holder an accompanying letter of caution or of informal advice with copies to the complaining party or other interested persons as deemed appropriate. If the Board determines that the complaint and answer provide probable cause to believe that a conduct rule of this Board has been violated by a certificate holder, the Board shall order that the proceedings continue as provided in subsection D below.
C. Investigation. Subject to the availability of funds, the Board may appoint a third party to investigate and prosecute a complaint before the Board.D. Formal disciplinary proceedings.
1. Notice of hearing shall be in writing and shall be served either by personal service or certified mail, return receipt requested. Notice shall include:a. A statement of the nature of the hearing;
b. A reference to the particular sections of the rules allegedly involved; and
c. A concise statement of the matters asserted, or if the Board is unable to state the matters in detail at the time the notice is served, the initial notice may be limited to a statement of the issues involved.
2. Within twenty days after service of the notice of hearing, the certificate holder may file an answer.
3. The time and place for hearing shall be set upon the filing of the certificate holder's answer or upon the expiration of the time for its filing on not less than twenty days' notice to all parties.
4. If the Board deems it necessary or if the certificate holder requests, subpoenas may be issued, subject to the rules of civil procedure, to ensure the attendance of any party or other person. Each board member is empowered to administer oaths and affirmations, subpoena witnesses, require the production of records relevant to the hearing, and take evidence at any place within the state concerning any matter within the jurisdiction of the Board. A judge of the district court of any judicial district in which the attendance or production is required shall, upon proper application, enforce the attendance and testimony of any witness and the production of documents subpoenaed.
5. If a certificate holder fails to appear after proper notice, the Board may, if no adjournment is granted, proceed with the hearing and make a decision in the absence of the certificate holder.
6. Opportunity shall be afforded all parties to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses, present argument on all issues involved, and be represented by counsel at their expense. The proceedings at the hearing shall be recorded verbatim.
7. At the conclusion of the hearing, the Board may take any of the actions set forth in subsection E of this rule. If action is taken pursuant to E.1., 2., or 3., the court reporter shall be notified in writing and the complainant may be notified in the Board's discretion. If a recommendation of discipline is made to the Kansas Supreme Court pursuant to E.4., a copy of the Board's recommendation, findings of fact, and conclusions of law shall be served upon all parties and the Kansas Supreme Court. Any determination or report of the Board need only be concurred in by a majority of the Board members sitting, and any member has the right to file a dissent from the majority determination or report.
8. Nothing in these rules shall prevent the Board from informally stipulating and settling any matter relating to the certificate holder's discipline.
E. Disciplinary sanctions.The Board may, based upon clear and convincing evidence presented, take one or more of the following actions:1. Dismiss the charges. 2. Admonish the certificate holder. 3. Issue a private order of cease and desist.
4. Recommend discipline to the Kansas Supreme Court. "Discipline" means public reprimand, imposition of a period of probation with special conditions which may include additional professional education or re-education, suspension of the certificate, or revocation of the certificate. In addition to any discipline imposed pursuant to these rules, if the certificate holder is a state employee, the reporter may be disciplined under the Rules Relating to the Kansas Court Personnel System.
F. Prohibited Conduct. The Board may investigate complaints lodged for the following reasons:
1. Fraud or misrepresentation in procuring a license.2. Professional incompetency.
3. Knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue or fraudulent representations as a court reporter. Proof of actual injury need not be established.
4. Habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs.
5. Commission of any felony or of a misdemeanor if the misdemeanor is substantially related to the functions and duties of a court reporter or if the misdemeanor erodes public confidence in the integrity of the court system. A certified copy of the record of conviction or plea of guilty is conclusive evidence of the commission of such crime.
6. Fraud in representations relating to skill or ability as a court reporter.
7. Use of untruthful or misleading statements in advertisements.
8. A finding of contempt by any court of record, arising out of the reporter's conduct in performing or attempting to perform any act as a court reporter.
9. Failure to maintain impartiality toward each participant in all aspects of reported proceedings or other court-related matters.
10. Violation of a District Court Rule, Supreme Court Rule, or Board Rule.
11. Refusal to cooperate in an investigation conducted by the Board or obstructing such investigation.
No. 12 10. Rates for Official District Court Transcripts.
(A)A.Effective July 1, 1999, theThe rate for official district court transcripts shall be $2.75 for each 25-line page of the original transcript and $0.50 for each 25-line page of a copy of the original transcript if copies are ordered. No one shall be required to purchase a copy when requesting production of an original transcript, and access to the record shall be permitted by the district court under the Kansas Open Records Act and Supreme Court Rule 3.06. The official district court transcript" shall be a transcript produced by any Kansas CertifiedShorthandCourt Reporter or person authorized by these rules to produce official transcripts.
(B)B.Effective July 1, 1996, theThe rate for expedited" production of official district court transcripts shall be no more than twice the rate provided in (A) above for each 25-line page of the original transcript and one-fourth of this "expedited" rate for each 25-line page of a copy of the original transcript. Expedited production of official district court transcripts shall mean delivery of the transcript on or before the third business day after the request is made for expedited production.
(C)C.Effective July 1, 1996, theThe rate for daily copy" production of official district court transcripts shall be no more than four times the rate provided in (A) above for each 25-line page of the original transcript and one-fourth of this "daily copy" rate for each 25-line page of a copy of the original transcript. Requested daily copy production of official district court transcripts shall mean delivery of the transcript at or before 9:00 a.m. the next day.
(D)D.Effective July 1, 2002, aA Kansas CertifiedShorthandCourt Reporter may provide unedited text of proceedings. The rate for an unedited ASCII disk or unedited printed copy shall be no more than $1.50 for each 25-line page. The unedited disk or printed copy shall not be certified and may not be used to contradict the official district court transcript.
(E)E.Effective July 1, 2002, aA Kansas CertifiedShorthandCourt Reporter who holds the designation of Certified Realtime Reporter (CRR) from the National Court Reporters Association or Realtime Verbatim Reporter (RVR) from the National Verbatim Reporters Association may provide realtime reporting services. The rate for view only of unedited text, with no later retention in printed or electronic format, shall be no more than $1.50 for each 25-line page. The rate for receiving unedited realtime text for viewing and retention in printed or electronic format shall be no more than $2.50 for each 25-line page. Realtime reporting services shall not be certified and may not be used to contradict the official district court transcript.
(F)F. A 25-line page of transcript, other than the title, index or final pages of a transcript, shall consist of any 25 or more consecutive typewritten lines, double-spaced on copyable paper not less than 8½ inches in width, with a margin of not more than 1½ inches on the left and 5/8 of an inch on the right, exclusive of lines disclosing page and numbering. Type shall be a conventional style typeface with no more than 12 and no fewer than 9 characters per inch. Questions and answers shall each begin a new line, and indentations for questions and answers shall not be more than four spaces from the left margin line, including the designations for "Q" and "A." Indentations for speakers or paragraphs shall not be more than 15 spaces from the left margin line, and such paragraphed material shall not be more than four spaces from the left margin line. Indentations for parenthetical notations shall not be more than 20 spaces from the left margin.