How CART Supports Accessible Communication in Legal Proceedings

Accessible communication is essential throughout the legal process where proceedings often involve fast-paced discussions, multiple speakers, technical terminology, and complex evidence presentations. For individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or otherwise benefit from captioning services, Communication Access Realtime Translation (CART) provides an effective accessibility solution by displaying spoken information as text in real time.

As courts and legal professionals continue incorporating digital evidence, remote participation, and multimedia presentations, CART services are becoming an increasingly important tool for supporting effective communication, meaningful participation, and compliance with accessibility requirements.

At HIS Sign, we provide professional onsite and remote CART and ASL interpreting services designed to meet the needs of modern legal environments. Below, we explore how CART captioning supports access to courtroom communication, recordings, exhibits, and other critical information throughout legal proceedings.

What Is CART and How Does It Work in Legal Settings?

Communication Access Realtime Translation, commonly known as CART or real-time captioning, is a service that results in the display of everything that is being said, word for word on a computer, television, or projection screen. Using specialized stenographic equipment and state of the art software, CART transcribers convert speech to text for an audience to view instantaneously. A transcript can also be made available following completion of services. Unlike traditional transcripts, CART allows participants to follow conversations as they unfold, making it particularly valuable in legal environments where missing even a brief exchange can affect comprehension.

In courtroom settings, CART may be provided onsite or remotely depending on the needs of the proceeding. Testimony, attorney arguments, judicial instructions, and procedural discussions can all be transcribed in real time, allowing participants to remain fully engaged throughout the process. Importantly, while CART is often associated with court reporting technology, its primary purpose is accessibility rather than the creation of the official legal record.

How Does CART Support Access to Courtroom Communication?

Courtrooms present unique communication challenges because information moves quickly and often involves multiple speakers contributing within short periods of time. Witness testimony may contain unfamiliar terminology, attorneys may speak rapidly during examination, and judges frequently issue instructions that carry significant legal implications. Consequently, relying solely on lip reading or amplified audio may not provide sufficient access for every participant.

By delivering spoken information as text in real time, CART allows individuals to read along while simultaneously observing speakers and reviewing exhibits. Furthermore, participants can maintain a stronger understanding of testimony, procedural developments, and legal arguments without waiting for transcripts after the proceeding has concluded. This immediate access promotes greater participation, reduces misunderstandings, and helps ensure that important information is received accurately as it is presented.

How Can CART Improve Access to Recordings and Multimedia Evidence?

Modern legal proceedings increasingly rely on digital evidence, including surveillance footage, recorded interviews, body camera videos, voicemail recordings, video depositions, and other multimedia content. While these materials can provide valuable evidence, they may also create accessibility challenges when spoken content is not available in other formats. As a result, courts and legal professionals are placing greater emphasis on accessible communication strategies when presenting multimedia evidence.

This is where CART and video captioning services can play complementary roles. For prerecorded evidence, professional video captioning can provide text access to spoken dialogue and other important audio content contained within recordings. During hearings, mediations, depositions, and trials, CART services can also support access by providing real-time text for live discussions, testimony, and commentary surrounding the evidence as it is presented.

Together, these accessibility solutions help ensure participants can access both live communication and multimedia content more effectively. In turn, accessibility extends beyond courtroom conversations and into the growing body of digital evidence that now plays a central role in many legal proceedings.

What Is the Difference Between a CART Captioner and a Court Reporter?

Because both professions utilize similar technology and transcription skills, CART providers and court reporters are often confused with one another. However, their responsibilities differ significantly. Court reporters are responsible for creating, preserving, and certifying the official legal record of a proceeding, ensuring an accurate transcript is available for future reference, appeals, and legal documentation.

CART providers, by contrast, focus on immediate communication access. Their goal is not to produce the official record but rather to help individuals understand spoken communication as it happens. In many legal settings, both professionals may be present simultaneously, with the court reporter preserving the official transcript while the CART provider delivers live text access to participants who need an accommodation. Although the technologies overlap, the objectives of each service remain distinct.

Ensure Accessible Courtroom Communication with HIS Sign

From courtroom testimony and judicial instructions to multimedia evidence and legal consultations, HIS Sign provides professional CART and ASL interpreting services that support meaningful access throughout the legal process. Contact us today to learn how our CART services can be a viable communication tool for you!