Directive #1-00 -- Adoption of 55 Characters Per Line as the New Transcript Standard

January 11, 2000
Directive # __-00
MEMORANDUM TO: Official Court Reporters and Transcribing Agencies
FROM: Richard J. Williams
SUBJECT: Adoption of 55 Characters Per Line as the New Transcript Standard
In accordance with Rule 2:5-3(e), the Administrative Director of the Courts fixes the standards for preparation of court
transcripts. Currently, we have two standards for the number of characters per line of transcript -- 63 characters per line
for full page transcripts and 60 characters per line for compressed transcripts. To enhance the readability of all
transcripts and to ensure uniformity and consistency, I am hereby setting the standard for full page and compressed
transcript lines at 55 characters per line including spaces. This standard is effective immediately. Failure to follow the
standard will not, however, be cause for rejection of transcripts filed before March 1, 2000.
Please note that the format of transcripts also must conform to Rule 2:6-10, as relaxed by Supreme Court Order dated
January 12, 1999. That Order provides that no more than two transcript pages may be reproduced on a single page and
further provides that both sides of a page may be used if the paper meets weight standards prescribed by the rule.
Any questions that you might have regarding the implementation of this directive should be directed to Jeffrey A.
Newman, Chief, Reporting and Technical Services, at (609) 292-2644.
/ksf c: Chief Justice Deborah T. Poritz
Hon. Sylvia B. Pressler, P.J.A.D. 
Theodore J. Fetter, Dep. Admin. Dir.
Stephen W. Townsend, Supreme Court Clerk
John J. Musewicz, Appellate Division Administrator
Emille R. Cox, Appellate Division Clerk
AOC Directors and Assistant Directors
Jeffrey A. Newman, Chief
Toni M. McLaughlin, Special Assistant
Steven D. Bonville, Special Assistant
NOTICE TO THE BAR
Re: Transcripts in the New Jersey State Courts
In accordance with Rule 2:5-3(e) the Administrative Director of the Courts is authorized to fix the standards for
preparation of court transcripts by New Jersey’s official court reporters and certified transcribers. Previously, the courts
have observed two standards for the number of characters per line for state court transcripts, 63 characters per line for
full page transcripts and 60 characters per line for compressed transcripts. To enhance the readability of all transcripts
and to ensure uniformity, I have issued the attached directive (Directive #1-00) setting the standard for full page and
compressed transcripts at 55 characters per line including spaces. This standard is effective immediately, although it
will not be cause for rejection of transcripts filed by an official court reporter or certified transcriber before March 1,
2000.
Please note that the format of transcripts also must conform to Rule 2:6-10, as relaxed by Supreme Court Order dated

January 12, 1999. That Order provides that no more than two transcript pages may be reproduced on a single page and
further provides that both sides of a page may be used if the paper meets weight standards prescribed by the rule.