The Future of Court Reporting: Digital vs. Traditional Stenographers
As technology continues to evolve, the role of court reporting is increasingly being examined. This article explores the current debate: will digital court reporting ultimately replace traditional stenographers, and what factors are driving this change?
Many believe that digital court reporting will indeed replace traditional stenographers largely due to cost savings. However, as we will discuss, the situation is more complex and presents several compelling reasons why traditional stenographers will continue to play a vital role in the court system.
Cost Savings vs. Quality Reporting
One of the primary arguments for digital court reporting is its lower cost. While it may be cheaper, there are several considerations that make traditional stenography a superior choice. Stenographers, with their high level of experience and education, often command higher rates compared to digital reporters. Furthermore, many digital companies are starting to charge rates that are comparable to steno because they realize the competitive advantage of pooling profits over gaining market share. This means that as a consumer, you are more likely to opt for the industry that has the most experience and a strong educational and professional culture, such as that provided by the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).
The Value of Human Expertise
A good traditional stenographer offers much more than just typing quickly. They can maintain a high level of accuracy and capture nuances that digital systems often miss. For example, in federal court, a skilled stenographer may notice when attorneys and witnesses are mumbling, speaking quickly, or talking over each other. They can request repetitions to ensure accuracy. Even with digital audio recordings, many words and phrases can be lost due to background noise, muttering, or word swallowing.
A court reporter can read back a portion of testimony, even if the digital recording was unintelligible. They can produce a transcript even if the digital recording fails. This was demonstrated in a case where the digital recording device crashed, causing a loss of about an hour of testimony. However, because there was a court reporter transcribing, the trial continued without any loss of testimony.
The Importance of Post-Recording Support
Another critical function of court reporters is their ability to provide immediate post-recording support. For instance, in a lengthy trial, a good stenographer can produce a transcript of the day's proceedings and send it to the client before they even leave the courthouse. This level of service is invaluable, especially for lawyers who need to review testimony quickly.
While digital systems can improve over time, they are still not as reliable or accurate as human court reporters. This is particularly important in cases where accuracy is paramount, such as legal proceedings. Even if all stenographers are at the top of their game, the human factor cannot be entirely replicated by technology. However, if we lose our focus and fail to meet the needs of the courts and legal professionals, the situation could change.
The Future and the Role of Traditions
The practice of digital court reporting is already prevalent in England and Wales, where all proceedings are digitally recorded and transcribed only when necessary. While this system is better, more accurate, and cheaper, it would be detrimental to individuals who depend on court reporters and their clients. The role of the court reporter extends beyond merely transcribing; they provide a high level of service that is unmatched by digital technology.
The future of court reporting involves blending the strengths of both digital and traditional systems. As we continue to advance technologically, it is essential to maintain the human aspect that ensures accuracy, reliability, and the professional support that clients depend on. Therefore, while digital court reporting may eventually replace traditional stenography in some areas, the value of human expertise cannot be entirely replaced.