August 2008
Behind the Scenes

Lynne Page Rasmussen is a court reporter, sitting to the side of the judge behind a strange-looking machine with no characters on its 24 keys. Typing at 225 words per minute, she records the dramas and traumas of the Second Judicial Court District. She and her 18 colleagues rotate between criminal and civil courtrooms, working alongside different judges each week. Rasmussen does her job quietly. She sits with her back held straight, her hands flying over the keys on her small machine. She concentrates on every word of the proceedings. Though she may inwardly cringe, she maintains outward composure. Court reporters are expected not to reveal emotion or judgment.

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