Room for Debate: Are Court Stenographers Necessary?

There Is No Substitute

Nancy Varallo, National Court Reporters Association

Court reporters can now filter their shorthand through computers to provide judges, attorneys and clients with instantaneous, understandable transcripts.

Technology Creates an Accessible Record

Richard G. Kopf, Federal judge

Digital recordings of hearings can be uploaded to federal court servers where anyone, anywhere, will be able to listen.

During Trials, Recordings Are a Safety Net

Peter A. Cahill, district court judge in Minneapolis

A digital audio system can record throughout the day in all courtrooms, acting as a safety net if a stenographic court reporter falls.

Recording Cuts Costs for Taxpayers

Brian Green, Jefferson Audio Video Systems, Inc., in Louisville, Ky.

Why have an annual salary assigned to a function that a digital recording system can do at a fraction of the cost?

The Human Touch Is Superior

Stuart M. Auslander, New York School of Court Reporting

Court reporters can discern external noise, difficult accents, and simultaneous talking. They also produce closed captioning, which helps the hearing-impaired.