​To properly transcribe numbers in legal documents, proofreaders are guided by two simple rules and some related exceptions. Among the latter is the presentation of phone numbers, addresses, and years as figures only when they are located at the beginning of sentences.

​
When legal transcripts deal with numbers 
The basic rules are only two.
Exceptions, though, expand the counting,
And tell that two can barely do.

Think first of ten and down to zero,
Expecting there to spell them out.
Eleven then and up to heaven,
Sketch rising numbers, draw them out.

Exceptions force a switch to digits
For money, measures, dates, percent.
Aside from "One," the same with houses--
And figures that from nouns extend.

Not all exceptions favor digits,
Example being sentence starts;
When numbers get the ball a-rolling,
It’s mostly time for spelling arts.

​Behold the trusty em dash 
Of legal transcript lore
That seeks naught but a calming
Of interruptions sore.

As double-dash or single,
False starts it also soothes;
So many writs made stable
That court reporters muse.

In legal transcripts, proofreaders are expected to know a variety of rules determining whether specific words should begin with uppercase letters. Such capitalization is not limited to the beginning of sentences, and in the realm of legal documentation, some unique conventions are known to apply. By the same token, there are also clearly defined situations where words and phrases are correct only if written in lowercase. 


Of letters in legal transcripts,
Judiciously all assigned,
The capital ones most ever
To prominence are inclined.

They stand with pride and greatness
On rules that make them strong.
Some nouns must be specific,
Generic versions wrong.

Take titles for example;
They uppercase must show
If fronting names specific
In real or hinted flow.

Like titles, “plaintiff,” “defendant”
Hold capital letters dear;
The same with “court” and “counsel”
And more whose names are clear.

Historical haps and periods,
Domains in military gov,
Brand names and institutions, 
All glow with capital love.

Not so for mere generics,
Or seasons broadly hailed,
Or stage in school and college,
Or field of coursework scaled.

This lowercase alikeness 
Includes degrees as well, 
Words “doctorate” and “bachelors”
Not often caused to swell.

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​The heights by great men reached and kept
Were not attained by sudden flight.
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward through the night.
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

The laughs by great fools quipped and clapped
Were not attained by sudden farce.
But they, while their companions wept,
Were plotting yet without remorse.
--Shortfellow (aka Lord Zakwoof of Glenwoof)

Peace, like gently flowing water,
From the well of being rises;
Priceless is its tranquil blessing,
Far surpassing all devices.

Soothing essence smoothly present
Born of knowing life’s true meaning
Lends a certainty transcendent,
Free of need or mental scheming.

Natural then the calm surrender
On this journey never ending;
Revelations here and yonder
Evermore to be enlightening.

​

​I'd offer you some water
Or fodder if you'd rather,
Create a cozy welcome
In this my humble kingdom.

Though lacking presents lavish,
My presence is not raffish;
Instead it seeks the gracious 
To share in friendship cautious.

So join me in these moments
Of tentative shy comments.
Let love and hope in common
Our certain kinship summon.

—Shortfellow (aka Lord Zakwoof of Glenwoof)