The Manufactured Court Reporter ‘Crisis’ and the Dangerous Push for Unlicensed Transcription

The myth of a court reporter shortage is being exploited to push unlicensed transcription services into the legal system. But only certified court reporters—not agencies or transcriptionists—can serve as the Responsible Charge. They alone have the authority to certify transcripts, administer oaths, and safeguard the record. Replacing them with unqualified labor threatens due process and undermines the very foundation of courtroom integrity.