An AI summary claims court reporters quit because the job is unbearable. The reality is the opposite. Most reporters stay for decades—often an entire working lifetime—because the profession rewards mastery, autonomy, and adaptability. Court reporting is demanding, yes, but for those built for it, it becomes a superpower, not a burnout sentence.
Tag Archives: ai
Opinion: Texas Isn’t Confused About Digital Reporting — Only the Vendors Are
Texas is not confused about digital reporting — only the vendors are. Esquire, U.S. Legal, and Veritext recast a business model as a legal right, insisting courts ignore reliability gaps, nonexistent licensure, and the safeguards built directly into Rule 203.6. The trial court didn’t err; it exercised discretion. Corporate convenience is not access to justice, and marketing cannot replace a certified, accountable record.
The Trojan Horse Problem – Why Software Companies Should Not Masquerade as Court Reporting Agencies
Software companies moving into the court reporting agency space do not represent innovation; they represent structural risk. When the same platform controls the technology, the data, and the labor pipeline, independence erodes and normalization begins. The danger is not sudden replacement but gradual acceptance, until reporters become optional upgrades instead of guardians of the record. The profession must recognize this encroachment and defend its sovereignty.
“Ack Ack” on the Record – When the Martians Took Over the Courtroom
When justice sounds like “Ack ack, ack,” it’s not just funny—it’s frightening. Replacing human court reporters with machines turns the language of truth into gibberish. Algorithms can’t hear nuance, context, or emotion. The record of justice deserves more than “good enough.” It deserves understanding.
Why Transcript Correction Disputes Are Rising — And Where the Problem Originated
Certified court reporters are seeing a rise in large-scale transcript correction requests, but the issue is not declining reporter skill. It stems from the increased use of digital audio and ASR-generated transcripts being treated as equivalent to stenographic reporting. Once attorneys began comparing transcripts with software tools, the inconsistencies became clear. Accuracy starts at the point of capture, and the method matters.
AI Transcripts Gone Wild – The Day a Transcription Company Asked a Court Reporter to “Certify” Their Robot
A transcription company actually asked a certified court reporter to “sign off” on an AI-generated deposition—no oath, no saved audio, no chain of custody. When the attorney demanded a lawful certification, they tried to hire a reporter to legitimize their robot record. This isn’t innovation; it’s impersonation—and it threatens the integrity of every legal transcript in America.
AI Transcripts vs. Human Court Reporters & Why the Record Still Needs a Person
Stanford’s data shows ASR makes twice as many errors with Black speakers as white speakers. The NCRA warns of bias, misattribution, and chain-of-custody failures. In trial after trial, I’ve seen judges and attorneys turn back to the human transcript when accuracy matters. Until a machine can raise its right hand and swear to accuracy, the record still belongs to court reporters.
Why Judges Cannot Rely on AI Captions – The Legal and Ethical Imperative of Certified Realtime
Judges may think AI captions save money, but the law is clear: only a certified court reporter can create the official record. ASR is error-prone, insecure, and unauthorized — and I’ve personally seen judges forced into readback when captions got it wrong. Bridge with Boost offers the lawful, accurate, profession-saving alternative that protects evidentiary integrity, judicial ethics, and access to justice.
AI Summaries, CCR 2474, and the Fight Over Who Owns the Record
AI deposition summaries aren’t innovation—they’re exploitation. Agencies are monetizing transcripts into derivative products without consent or compensation, creating unjust enrichment while undermining the integrity of the record. California’s CCR 2474 wasn’t written with AI in mind, but the principle remains: reporters must not be in the business of interpretation. It’s time for contracts, regulation, and reform to safeguard neutrality, fairness, and trust in the transcript.
Why Congress Must Hold Hearings on the Integrity of Court Reporting in the Age of Digital Recording and AI
Congress must investigate: Who protects the record when justice is on the line? The integrity of the legal record is at risk. Attorneys report defective transcripts, hidden digital recorders, and AI posing as stenographers. This isn’t just an industry dispute — it threatens due process nationwide. Congress must act. A hearing is urgently needed to expose these practices, enforce responsible charge, and protect the record. Our democracy depends on accurate transcripts.
Digital Reporting, AI, and the Future of Court Reporting – Allegations, Lawsuits, and Industry Implications
Veritext’s reliance on digital recording and AI transcripts is finally facing attorney pushback—and possible lawsuits. For years, I’ve warned that agencies exploit loopholes like “agency certificates” to bypass stenographers. Without a responsible charge statement, the legal record is at risk of fraud and failure. It’s time for attorneys and reporters alike to demand accountability and protect the integrity of the record.
What If the United States Made Your Voice and Likeness Your Property?
What if your voice became your legal property? Denmark’s proposed law could make every voice and likeness owned — with takedowns and royalties for unauthorized use. If the U.S. follows, ASR and digital reporting face huge risks, while stenographers become the gold standard for secure, human-verified transcripts. In a world of deepfakes, stenography is justice’s strongest safeguard.
Why AI “Prediction” Can Never Replace Verbatim Court Reporting
CAT software doesn’t replace court reporters—it’s a tool they control to produce a verbatim, certified record. Digital/AI systems are different: they predict what might have been said, dropping words, mishearing accents, and collapsing overlapping speech. In court, guesses aren’t good enough. Justice requires certainty, and certainty requires stenographers—not algorithms.
Why AI Will Never Replace Human Court Reporters – The Hearsay at the Heart of the Machine
AI is nothing more than a statistical parrot—rearranging old data, guessing the next word. In court, that’s not testimony. That’s hearsay. Only a certified, sworn reporter can deliver a verbatim, admissible record. Machines can imitate, but only humans safeguard justice. Stenography isn’t nostalgia—it’s necessity.
Why Transcribing from Electronic Recordings Is Hearsay — and the Stenographic Profession’s Strongest Defense
AI and electronic recordings can’t replace stenographic reporters. Why? Because transcripts created by someone not present are hearsay — and hearsay is inadmissible. Only a sworn reporter assumes Responsible Charge of the record, accountable under law. AI can’t be punished, fined, jailed, or defend its transcript in court. Without accountability, it’s just unverifiable hearsay.
Outsider Companies Are Knocking – Why Court Reporters Must Push Back and Protect the Profession
Over the past year, a growing number of emails, social media posts, and marketing campaigns have landed in court reporters’ inboxes. The message is always the same: “Join us. Work with us. We’re the future of legal reporting.” Recently, one such email from a company called Prevail Legal circulated among reporters. Their pitch sounded familiar:Continue reading “Outsider Companies Are Knocking – Why Court Reporters Must Push Back and Protect the Profession”
The Irreplaceable Human Court Reporter – Why AI Will Never Capture the Record
A courtroom is not a lab. It is not a tech demo or a theoretical exercise in “innovation.” It is a crucible where freedom, reputation, livelihood, and even personal safety are decided every day. The people who work there know this truth in their bones: the record matters. And when it comes to creating thatContinue reading “The Irreplaceable Human Court Reporter – Why AI Will Never Capture the Record”
The Otter Lawsuit – AI, Privacy, and the Fight Over Consent
A groundbreaking lawsuit has been filed against Otter.ai, a company known for its AI-powered meeting transcription and recording services. At the center of the complaint is a fundamental question: Can AI companies record, transcribe, and train on private conversations without the explicit consent of all participants? The lawsuit, which touches multiple federal and state privacyContinue reading “The Otter Lawsuit – AI, Privacy, and the Fight Over Consent”
When Robots Win Trophies – What It Means for the Future of Stenography
A robot holding a trophy may symbolize progress, but in the courtroom, it represents a dangerous shortcut. While AI may offer speed, only a human stenographer ensures accuracy, accountability, and justice. When automation wins the spotlight, due process can lose. Let’s not trade trust for tech.
The High Cost of Convenience – How Digital Court Reporting Risks Destroying the Profession It Claims to Modernize
As court reporting agencies rush to adopt AI and digital tools, they risk undermining the very profession they rely on. Accuracy, ethics, and human expertise are being sacrificed for speed and cost. Agencies must choose: innovate with reporters, or replace them entirely—and suffer the consequences. The legal system deserves better than a transcript powered by hope and algorithms.
Why Whisper Can’t Replace Court Reporters in the U.S. Legal System
Canada’s Legislative Assembly proved AI like Whisper can assist—but not replace—human editors. Meanwhile, U.S. courts risk due process by adopting ASR without oversight. Speaker errors, misattribution, and data risks abound. Justice demands more than a “good enough” transcript. We must follow Canada’s lead: human-led, AI-assisted. The record—and constitutional rights—depend on it.
Why Human Stenographers Still Outperform AI in the “Cocktail Party” Problem—and Always Will in Legal Proceedings
AI still can’t match human stenographers—especially in legal settings. From overlapping speech and accents to emotional testimony, the “cocktail party problem” is far from solved. Only a certified court reporter can deliver 99% accuracy, real-time clarification, and a legally admissible record. Don’t fall for the hype. Humans are still the gold standard.
Human Oversight is Now Law – Virginia Leads the Nation with Groundbreaking AI Legislation Protecting the Judicial Record
Virginia just became the first state to legally require human oversight of AI in courtrooms. With HB 1642, justice stays human-centered—protecting certified transcripts, ethical decision-making, and the future of court reporting. This is a national model for balancing innovation with integrity.
How Court Reporting Can Survive and Thrive in the Age of AI and ASR
Court reporting isn’t just transcription — it’s the human backbone of justice. Whether using a steno machine or voice mask, stenographers capture the spoken word in real time to create certified, accurate records that AI simply can’t replicate. In the face of automation, our unity, skill, and accountability will define our survival. We aren’t obsolete — we’re indispensable. And now is the time to prove it.
Why AAERT-Certified Digital Reporters Are Not the Answer to the Court Reporter Crisis
Digital reporters certified by AAERT are not equivalent to licensed court reporters. They don’t write realtime, certify records on the spot, or meet the legal standards required in high-stakes proceedings. While digital recording may seem like a quick fix for shortages, it risks long-term damage to the integrity of the record. The solution isn’t substitution—it’s investment in the gold-standard profession that’s already working.
The Scopist Crisis – A Silent Threat to the Integrity of Court Reporting
The scopist shortage is becoming a hidden crisis in court reporting. Too many unqualified applicants—often unfamiliar with software like StenoCat32—are delivering error-filled transcripts that compromise accuracy and trust. As court reporters face mounting pressure, it’s time to demand better training, certification, and collaboration from those supporting our record.
When “No Options” Isn’t an Option – The Quiet Collapse of Court Reporting in West Texas
In West Texas, court reporters are disappearing — and judges are turning to digital recording as a last resort. One court has had zero applicants and is now speaking with Verbatim. This isn’t about convenience; it’s a collapse. Melissa’s story reveals the human toll of inaction and the urgent need to protect the integrity of our record. “No options” is not an excuse. It’s a wake-up call.
ASR in Court Reporting – Tool, Threat, or Transformation?
As court reporting faces increasing pressure from digital disruption, the debate over ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition) intensifies. Can it be used responsibly — or does its adoption spell the end of human-led recordkeeping? This article explores the nuanced question: If ASR is wielded by a trained, licensed stenographer, does it become a tool — or remain a threat? The future of our profession may hinge on the answer.
“Five-Oh-Two” & The Invisible Danger in ASR Court Transcripts
ASR may produce clean-looking transcripts, but it lacks the human judgment needed to capture meaning, nuance, and legal context. In court, where every word matters, even subtle misinterpretations can distort the record and impact outcomes. Accuracy isn’t just about words—it’s about understanding. That’s why certified court reporters remain essential in preserving the integrity of the legal process.
The Future of Court Reporting & Why the Fight Is Now—And Why You Should Step Into Your Place & Join
A student recently asked me: “What are the chances of AI putting court reporters out of work in the next five to ten years?” The honest answer? It’s a tricky question. Because we’re not looking at a slow fade—we’re standing at a tipping point. The next one to three years will determine everything. There’s seriousContinue reading “The Future of Court Reporting & Why the Fight Is Now—And Why You Should Step Into Your Place & Join”
Save Steno Now, or Lose It Forever – Why Court Reporters Can’t Be Replaced by AI
Court reporting isn’t dying—it’s evolving. With overflowing steno schools, waitlists, and voicewriters accelerating training, we’re meeting demand. The real threat isn’t a shortage—it’s premature replacement by AI. If we let this profession collapse, we lose the infrastructure that guarantees accuracy in our justice system. If you want us tomorrow, you must choose to support us today—before it’s too late.
The Hidden Cost of AI and Digital Reporters is A Looming Crisis in the Court Reporting Industry
As agencies and tech vendors chase profits, they’re offloading transcript cleanup onto scopists and proofreaders, driving up subcontractor rates and forcing court reporters to raise theirs just to survive. Attorneys balk at rising costs, unaware reporters are earning the same as decades ago. This shift isn’t just inefficient—it feels intentional, pushing experienced professionals out to make way for cheaper, lower-quality digital alternatives masked as innovation.
The Hidden Hands in the Courtroom – How Insurance Companies Are Undermining Court Reporting and What We Can Do About It
Insurance companies are quietly driving the shift from certified stenographers to digital court reporting, prioritizing cost-cutting over courtroom accuracy. This threatens the integrity of legal records, disproportionately harms vulnerable litigants, and benefits insurers when ambiguity delays or denies justice. Certified stenographers are essential to preserving the truth in legal proceedings—replacing them with flawed technology compromises fairness in our courts. It’s time to protect professionalism over profit.
The Record Must Remain Ours – A Court Reporting Call to Action
Court reporters are not outdated—we’re digital pioneers. As ASR and CAT tools flood the market, we must assert professional control. Certification, responsibility, and independence are non-negotiable. The individual capturing the record must also certify it. Letting courts or unlicensed tech operators own the record threatens justice itself. We must lead the change—on our terms. The record must remain ours.
Fail to Adapt to Disruption and Pay the Price – Court Reporters Heed the Warning
Court reporting isn’t antiquated—it’s one of the most technologically advanced professions in the legal world. As we pass the tipping point of digital disruption, our challenge isn’t resisting change but leading it. Certified reporters, using sophisticated tools like ASR-integrated CAT software, must set the standard. The future depends on preserving integrity, enforcing certification, and maintaining responsible charge in every courtroom transcript.
A Gentle and Straightforward Reply to Christopher Day’s Response
Digital pay parity might sound fair, but it risks blurring the line between skilled stenographers and less-trained digital reporters. Instead of raising digital to match steno, we should protect the value of expertise and focus on raising industry standards. Pay equality alone won’t stop corporations from chasing cheaper options — quality, skill, and human judgment are what truly set stenographers apart and secure their future.
Transcript Theft and Timeless Pricing Contributes To The Court Reporting Crisis
Court reporters are being squeezed by an outdated pricing model and rampant unauthorized transcript sharing. Despite legal protections under California law and federal copyright, attorneys often duplicate transcripts without paying, devaluing the reporter’s work. It’s time to modernize: shift all costs into the original transcript and make copies cheap or free. This simple change could restore fairness, stop transcript theft, and protect the profession’s future.
Florida’s Embrace of Digital Court Reporting – A Controversial Shift in Legal Transcription
Florida is redefining court reporting by certifying digital reporters through its FPR™ program, allowing them to capture proceedings without directly transcribing them. Unlike stenographers and voice writers—who are in responsible charge of the record—digital reporters often outsource transcription, raising concerns about accuracy, accountability, and legal integrity. This shift may influence other states, but the long-term risks demand careful scrutiny and stronger regulatory oversight.
Steno Still Stands Strong
Verbatim court reporting relies on three methods: steno machine, steno mask, and AI/ASR. Only steno machine and mask writers are certified and legally accepted in over half the states. The steno machine remains the gold standard, offering unmatched accuracy and instant readback. AI/ASR, while emerging, lacks certification, reliability, and accountability—posing serious risks in legal settings where precision is non-negotiable. Certification must be required for all reporting methods.
Court Reporters Are The Most Advanced Professionals in Realtime Transcription
Court reporting isn’t old-fashioned—it’s the most advanced transcription method in existence. Digital recording takes us back 100 years, while AI struggles with accuracy. Court reporters, powered by cutting-edge steno CAT software like Eclipse Boost, harness AI to enhance speed and precision—without losing control. No machine can match our expertise, adaptability, or real-time accuracy. We’re not outdated—we’re indispensable. 💯 #CourtReporting #StenoTech
Transcript Theft: The Silent Threat to Court Reporters
Court reporters are increasingly encountering attorneys who discuss “splitting costs” but ultimately share a single transcript instead of ordering their own. This practice impacts reporters’ earnings and devalues their work. To address this, reporters must clarify orders upfront, advocate for firm policies, and reinforce ethical standards. As the legal landscape evolves, standing firm on fair compensation and professional respect remains essential for the future of court reporting.
Fighting Like Hell to Save the Stenography Profession Through Innovation, Grit, and Perseverance
The stenography profession is at a crossroads, facing threats from AI and digital transcription. But history shows that industries on the brink can fight back. By embracing innovation, public awareness campaigns, high school outreach, and social media engagement, stenographers can reclaim their place as the gold standard in legal documentation. It’s time to fight like hell—because the future of stenography depends on it.
The Battle Between Humans and AI in Court Reporting
The battle between humans and AI in court reporting is intensifying as Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology advances. While ASR promises faster, cost-effective transcriptions, its current 76% accuracy rate still falls short in legal proceedings, where precision is critical. Human court reporters maintain an edge with their contextual understanding, adaptability, and ability to transcribe multiple speakers, ensuring accuracy that AI currently cannot match.
Digital Pay Parity A Pipe Dream of Unbalanced Benefit
Digital pay parity may seem like a solution, but it’s a false promise that upholds corporate greed while undermining human skill. Christopher Day of Stenonymous advocates for unionization to keep digital at bay, yet his vision still overlooks the irreplaceable expertise of real stenographers. True progress lies in recognizing the value of craftsmanship, not in embracing shortcuts that favor profits over people. The future is human, not digital.
Save What You Love
Stenography is at a crossroads, facing technological disruption, educational decline, and misconceptions about its relevance. However, innovation offers hope—new technology is emerging that integrates human expertise with automatic speech recognition, ensuring unmatched accuracy. To save stenography, we must revitalize training programs, challenge outdated perceptions, and embrace advancements that empower, rather than replace, skilled professionals. The future of this vital profession depends on it.
The Dangers of Relying on AI Notetakers During Depositions
AI notetakers in legal depositions and trials offer convenience, but they come with significant risks. Issues like consent, privacy breaches, data security, and potential inaccuracies can undermine confidentiality and compromise attorney-client privilege. Missteps can lead to unintended disclosures, jeopardizing sensitive information. For these reasons, hiring a certified court reporter remains the safest choice to ensure accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance in legal proceedings, safeguarding the integrity of the record.
A Stark Lesson in Supply and Demand: The State of Court Reporting in 2025
The court reporting industry faces an ongoing struggle between supply, demand, and efforts to replace stenographers with digital recording and transcription. While organizations like Project Steno and NCRA’s AtoZ program work to train new reporters, opportunistic agencies exploit legal loopholes to cut costs. As stenographers fight to maintain quality and fair compensation, the industry urgently needs updated data and strong advocacy to protect its future.
The Dangers of Judges Using AI on the Bench
AI in the courtroom poses significant risks, including misinterpretation, bias, and lack of transparency. A real case highlighted how AI mistranslated a witness’s statement, nearly leading to a judicial error. Judges relying too heavily on AI may undermine fairness and accuracy in legal proceedings. To ensure justice, AI should remain an assistive tool, with human oversight and strict ethical guidelines governing its use.
Why AI in Microsoft Teams Meetings Could Be Bad News for Court Reporters
AI-driven transcription in Microsoft Teams is reshaping court reporting, posing potential threats to the profession. While AI enhances efficiency with real-time transcription, it struggles with accuracy, legal jargon, and contextual nuances. Court reporters offer human expertise in capturing complex speech and ensuring legal records’ integrity. As AI advances, the industry must balance innovation with human oversight to maintain accuracy, accountability, and job security in legal proceedings.
AI and Digital Technology in Court Reporting: Not the Revolution It Was Thought to Be
AI was expected to revolutionize court reporting, promising efficiency, accuracy, and cost savings. However, its real-world application has fallen short. AI struggles with legal terminology, misinterpretation, and lacks adaptability to courtroom nuances. Concerns over accuracy, trust, and job security persist among professionals. Rather than replacing stenographers, AI’s future lies in assisting them, ensuring legal records maintain the precision and reliability that human expertise provides.
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