Do court reporter jobs disappear?
Court officials say that replacing court reporters with digital recordings could mean an increase in cost for taxpayers and could also mean less accurate court transcripts.
The resident superior judge of the superior court stated that he was not opposed to the replacement of live court reporters with digital recorders. However, he felt there was a little way to go with the technology to fully implement it.
The National Center for State Courts conducted the study.
The Administrative Office of the Courts issued a report stating that the tape recorders should be used in court proceedings that are of a more serious nature, such as civil and criminal court proceedings in the High Court. However, in many counties digital recorders are used for most district court proceedings.
If digital recording becomes the new standard, it will replace 100 court reporter jobs, including 2 in Robeson County.
The office that administers the judicial system (the Administrative Office of the Courts) recently conducted a study of the salary and demand of court reporters after a request came from the General Assembly a year ago. An estimated $ 2 million would be saved if private reporters were hired according to the lawsuit and recording equipment were installed in courtrooms instead. According to the Senate plan! The state staff of 100 reporters would be cut in half and cut the state budget.
John Smith, the Director of the Administrative Office of Courts, stated that the agency is not meant to get rid of court reporters live. However, according to The News & Observer of Raleigh, there should be a “gradual transition to a suitable combination.” This means that both digital recordings and live recorders should be used. Complex cases should be reserved for live court reporters and routine matters would be digital recordings.
Robeson County judges, court reporters, district attorney, public defender and other local court representatives recently met with the state senator. Michael Walters and the state representative. Charles Graham, both from Robeson County, and James L. Boles Jr., from Moore County, to express their concerns. Boles is co-chair of the House Justice and Public Safety Appropriations Committee, while Graham is a member of the committee.
Recently, there was a meeting that included the Senator (Michael Walters), the State Representative (Charles Graham), the court reporters, the district attorney, and the public defender to discuss the new proposed changes for Robeson County.
On the other hand, there are other officials who oppose the use of digital recorders no matter what.
Walters also expressed concern about the recommendation.
Even after hearing all the selling points, some people still don’t buy it.
Precision has become a major concern for Walters.