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.

The Subtle Power of a Word – Why ASR Can’t Replace Human Court Reporters

One wrong word — like “sale” instead of “cell” — can alter the facts. ASR doesn’t understand the difference, and neither did my scopist, because they weren’t a trained court reporter. In legal proceedings, every word matters. Court reporters aren’t just typists — we are the responsible charge, the last line of defense for truth and accuracy in the record.

“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.