Legal Transcription vs General Transcription – What’s the Difference?
Transcription might seem straightforward—convert audio into text. But in reality, the process varies significantly depending on the industry and purpose. This difference is especially clear when comparing legal transcription with general transcription.
For businesses in Singapore, choosing the right type of transcription service is essential for accuracy, compliance, and professional use. Below, we break down the major differences so you can make an informed decision.
1. Purpose & Use Cases
Legal Transcription
Legal transcription is used to transcribe audio related to legal proceedings, requiring strict accuracy and compliance.
Common use cases include:
Court hearings
Arbitration sessions
Depositions
Sworn statements
Police interviews
Legal meetings
Regulatory investigations
These transcripts are often submitted as official documents in Singapore courts or shared with legal teams for case preparation.
General Transcription
General transcription is used for everyday recordings where legal standards are not required.
Examples include:
Business meetings
Interviews
Webinars
Podcasts
Market research
Academic discussions
The purpose is mainly for reference, content creation, analysis, or documentation.
2. Accuracy Requirements
Legal Transcription
Legal transcripts must be 100% accurate, as even a single mistake can:
Change the meaning of testimony
Affect legal outcomes
Cause confusion in court
Lead to compliance issues
Every pause, interruption, or speaker identification must be documented precisely.
General Transcription
General transcription focuses on clarity and readability. Minor paraphrasing or filler word removal is allowed depending on client preference. Accuracy is still important, but it does not carry legal consequences.
3. Formatting Standards
Legal Transcription
Legal transcription follows strict formatting rules such as:
Line numbers
Time stamps
Speaker labels (e.g., Witness, Counsel, Judge)
Exact language transcribed verbatim
No corrections unless specified
Consistent structure for court submission
Professionals must follow Singapore’s legal formatting guidelines or the client’s official template.
General Transcription
General transcripts usually offer flexible formatting:
Paragraph style
Clean verbatim (removal of ums/ahs)
Edited transcription for readability
Optional timestamps
Simple speaker labels
The goal is readability, not legal precision.
4. Confidentiality & Compliance
Legal Transcription
Legal transcription demands the highest level of confidentiality due to:
Sensitive case details
Witness information
Evidence recordings
Confidential disclosures
Professionals must follow strict PDPA compliance in Singapore and often sign Non-Disclosure Agreements.
Security measures include:
Encrypted file sharing
Secure storage
Restricted access
Compliance with legal chain-of-custody procedures
General Transcription
Confidentiality is still important but less regulated. For example, podcast or interview transcription may not contain sensitive information.
Security practices depend on client needs rather than legal standards.
5. Skill Level & Qualifications
Legal Transcription
Transcribers must have:
Knowledge of legal terminology
Experience with court processes
Ability to distinguish multiple speakers
Familiarity with accented speech
Understanding of procedural language
Specialized training or certification is often preferred for court-ready transcripts.
General Transcription
Skills required include:
Good listening
Grammar proficiency
Attention to detail
Typing speed
Industry-specific knowledge is helpful but not mandatory.
6. Turnaround Time
Legal Transcription
Legal transcripts often need fast, high-accuracy delivery for court deadlines or case submissions.
Rush services are common due to time-sensitive hearings.
General Transcription
Turnaround is usually more flexible, depending on the project type and volume.
7. Cost Differences
Legal Transcription
Generally more expensive due to:
High accuracy standards
Specialized expertise
Compliance requirements
Additional formatting
Higher responsibility levels
General Transcription
More affordable and suitable for routine business, media, and academic content.
Which One Does Your Business Need?
You should choose legal transcription if:
✔ You work in law, compliance, or regulatory sectors
✔ The transcript will be used in court or investigation
✔ You require certified accuracy
✔ You need strict confidentiality
You should choose general transcription if:
✔ The transcript is for internal use
✔ You need a readable document for meetings or interviews
✔ The content is for marketing, research, or content creation
✔ No legal submission is required
Why Singapore Businesses Trust One Language Pte Ltd
One Language Pte Ltd provides:
Court-ready legal transcription
Verbatim and clean transcription styles
Industry-trained transcription specialists
PDPA-compliant processes
Secure file transfer and data protection
Support for legal, business, medical, and corporate sectors
Whether you need accurate legal documentation or everyday business transcription, we ensure quality, confidentiality, and timely delivery.
