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Your Right to Access Public Court Records.

If you’re representing yourself in a proceeding, preparing for an appeal, or simply reviewing what happened in court, a record—whether it’s a recording, speech-to-text draft, or certified transcript—is essential. At For The Record, we’re committed to making access to court records easier to obtain and more affordable for everyone.

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1.7 million hearings went without verbatim records between 2023 and 2025.

Why a Court Record Matters.

A court record—the official account of what happened during a legal proceeding—may include audio recordings, speech-to-text drafts, or certified transcripts. These records help litigants prepare for future hearings, support appeals, ensure accountability and transparency, and provide a clear reference for attorneys, judges, and other stakeholders.

As courts face a growing shortage of stenographers, many are turning to audio recording and speech-to-text technology to capture the record—solutions that are often more affordable, accessible, and readily available than the certified transcripts produced by stenographers.

 

1.7 million hearings went without verbatim records between 2023 and 2025.

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What Type of Court Record Can You Order?

Depending on your needs and your jurisdiction, you may be able to request:

  • The official digital audio recording of your hearing
  • Speech-to-text output synced with the audio recording (not certified for appeals)
  • Certified transcripts for appeals or legal filings

Review our list of participating courts to see what record types are available in your area or contact your court directly to learn more.

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Support for Self-Represented Litigants

If you’re representing yourself in court (sometimes called a pro se litigant), access to the record is critical. It allows you to:

  • Review exactly what was said
  • Prepare for your next appearance
  • Support your right to appeal decisions later
  • Ensure your attorney has full context if you retain legal counsel in the future

Accessibility and Accommodations

If you need support to fully participate in a hearing, ask your court about available accommodations, such as:

  • Real-time speech-to-text services
  • Screens to display speech-to-text feeds
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Screen readers or other support technologies

For Courts Using FTR Justice Cloud

Many courts use FTR Justice Cloud to record and store courtroom audio. If your court uses this system, you can request access or place an order through your court’s online order form.

View Participating Courts

For Recordings Captured with FTR Gold.

Windows users

If the court provides you with a copy of a recording, you can listen to .trm files using FTR Player, available as a free download on our website.

Mac users

While FTR Player is not available for Mac, courts can use FTR Manager to convert files to common formats like MP3. Some courts also provide cloud-based access depending on their setup. You may also run the PC-based FTR Gold Annotation Suite on a Windows machine with a free 14-day trial. Contact [email protected] to request a trial.

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Access Court Records Quickly and Securely.

Whether you need a speech-to-text draft transcript of proceedings or official court audio, our technology ensures the right to the record is protected—today and in the future.