In California, a significant shortage of certified court reporters is creating serious challenges for the judicial system and impacting individuals’ access to justice. Since 2023, over 1.7 million civil proceedings, including family law cases and restraining orders, have lacked written transcriptions, often making it impossible for litigants to effectively appeal decisions. State law, which typically prohibits recording in courtrooms, exacerbates the situation, leaving many without a reliable record to challenge rulings.
This crisis has drawn attention to legislative efforts to amend current restrictions. Assemblymember Diane Papan has introduced a bill aimed at temporarily lifting the recording ban in civil cases for three years. The intent is to facilitate justice for those unable to afford private court reporters while the state works to address the staffing shortage. Critics, however, argue that the bill is overly restrictive, including provisions that might deter those representing themselves from utilizing recording options.
The implications for California are multifaceted. A lack of accountability in the judicial process raises concerns about equitable access to justice, with wealthier litigants able to hire private reporters while others are left vulnerable to the inadequate public system. The looming California Supreme Court ruling on the matter may further dictate the trajectory of these discussions, particularly in the wake of persistent lobbying from labor unions representing court reporters.
Despite offering competitive salaries and benefits, the role of court reporters is declining as many opt for more lucrative private contracts or transition to roles perceived as more secure, especially given advancements in AI technology that threaten traditional transcription practices. This shortage highlights the urgent need for the state to innovate solutions that ensure judicial transparency and integrity, ultimately safeguarding the rights of all Californians.
via calmatters.org