Court reporters are trained to chase goals: speed, certifications, page counts, income. But goals end. Purpose does not. Purpose is what transforms transcription into stewardship and accuracy into a public trust. When reporters lead their careers with purpose, they stop merely producing records and start protecting them. In a justice system under strain, that distinction has never mattered more.
Tag Archives: GuardiansOfTheRecord
The Quiet Fear Inside the Record
Court reporters rarely speak about fear, yet it quietly accompanies some of the most important moments of their careers. It surfaces in high-stakes trials, unfamiliar courtrooms, and proceedings where every word carries lasting consequence. This fear is not evidence of failure. It is evidence of responsibility. And learning to work with it, rather than retreat from it, may be one of the profession’s most essential skills.
When “Live Notes” Enters the Notice – What the Confusion Over AI in Depositions Is Really About
As artificial intelligence quietly enters deposition rooms under vague terms like “live notes,” court reporters are being forced into a new role: boundary-setters for the legal record itself. The issue is no longer whether proceedings can be recorded, but who controls what is captured, who is accountable for what is created, and what truly constitutes the official record in modern litigation.
The Profession No One Talks About—Until Everything Depends on It
From ancient Phoenician scribes depicted in Disney’s EPCOT to modern realtime stenographers writing 225 words per minute at 95 percent accuracy, court reporters have always safeguarded civilization’s most critical words. They are the neutral architects of the legal record, preserving testimony that determines rights, liberty, and history itself. In an era of automation myths, their human precision remains indispensable.
Dress Like You Belong in the Record
The court reporter should be the best-dressed person in the room. We’re not schoolteachers — we’re officers of the court, guardians of the record, and in many cases, we earn more than the judge, the attorneys, and the experts combined. Dress like your presence matters, because it does. Professionalism isn’t optional; it’s part of the record you create.
Hope Is Our Weapon – How Court Reporters Can Win This War
“Without hope, we’re doomed.” Jane Goodall’s message is our call to action. Court reporters aren’t losing — we’re fighting strategically. Exposing the notary loophole, revealing hearsay flaws, and modeling decentralized custody of records are how we win. Hope isn’t wishful thinking — it’s our strongest weapon. The record is the battlefield. And we are its guardians.
Beyond the Hype – Redefining Court Reporting in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence is changing the conversation in court reporting—but it’s not a substitute for human judgment, ethics, and accountability. The real risk lies in misleading narratives and policy shifts that treat automation as “good enough.” By uniting as professionals and adopting AI on our terms, we can protect the record, strengthen our work, and ensure justice remains built on accuracy.
Saving Steno – A Strategic Roadmap to Protect the Profession
Court reporters are not “typists” — we are guardians of the record. If it isn’t verbatim, it isn’t the record. Transcripts created after-the-fact are out-of-court hearsay. Our value lies in accuracy, accountability, and professionalism — from the transcripts we produce to how we present ourselves in court. Excellence in every detail is our strongest defense against replacement.
AI, Ethics, and the Future of Court Reporting – From Hype to Practical Tools
Artificial intelligence is reshaping court reporting—but it’s not a substitute for trained professionals. The real risk isn’t the technology itself, but the narrative that it can replace human judgment and ethics. By understanding AI’s limits, pushing back on misleading claims, and using the right tools under our control, we can protect the record and strengthen our profession.
STENOIMPERIUM 