A Kentucky administrative hearing again exposed the fatal flaw of digital recording: when the agency’s “official” audio failed, a certified court reporter was the only reason the record survived. Due process cannot depend on glitchy technology or missing audio files. This case proves, yet again, that the stenographic reporter—not a digital recorder—is the only acceptable guardian of the legal record.
Tag Archives: news
An Off-the-Record Recording Takes Center Stage in Judge Hannah Dugan’s Federal Trial
When jury selection begins next week in the federal obstruction case against Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge Hannah Dugan, the proceedings will unfold under the shadow of a piece of evidence rarely seen in an American courtroom: an off-the-record audio recording captured inside her courtroom during a criminal calendar session. The recording—sealed from public releaseContinue reading “An Off-the-Record Recording Takes Center Stage in Judge Hannah Dugan’s Federal Trial”
The Illusion of Unity – When “Movement” Becomes Message Control
The rise of “STENO United” and the Fearless Stenographers Conference reflects a growing trend in our field: advocacy transformed into spectacle. Inspiration becomes insulation when branding replaces transparency, and unity becomes a tool for silencing dissent. Our profession doesn’t need one movement claiming moral authority—it needs distributed, ethical leadership grounded in accountability, not curated mythology.
Dividing Zero – The Illusion of Division in the Court Reporting Profession
There is no “division” in the court reporting profession — only distinction. Reporters are more united than ever: mentoring students, fighting the shortage myth, and defending the record against digital and AI intrusion. Outsiders may market unity to mask exploitation, but unity built on falsehoods isn’t healing. It’s control. You can’t divide zero.
Making a Record – Why Attorneys Keep Losing Their Exhibits on Appeal
Attorneys often assume that showing or publishing an exhibit makes it part of the record—it doesn’t. Only the judge can direct that an exhibit be “marked” or “received.” The clerk keeps the official list; the reporter records what’s said. If you skip the formal steps, your exhibits vanish on appeal. Make your record right, or risk losing it forever.
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.
Breaking News!!! L.A. Judge Refuses Jury Readback Instruction in Civil Trial — Citing “Time” as Reason
In Department 16 of Los Angeles Superior Court, Judge Steve Cochran told jurors, “We don’t do that,” referring to readback of testimony—directly contradicting CCP § 614, which guarantees every civil jury the right to request testimony readback during deliberations. His refusal highlights a growing erosion of due process as judges quietly sidestep mandatory procedures meant to preserve the integrity of the record.
Small Agencies in Crisis – Competing Fairly in an Unfair Market
Small, reporter-owned agencies are being squeezed by Big Box firms offering lavish gifts, delayed payment schemes, digital reporters, and AI summaries. Competing on those terms is impossible — and unethical. But survival is still possible. By flipping their business model upside down — paying reporters faster, networking instead of consolidating, and selling ethics instead of perks — small agencies can thrive again.
Agencies Exploit Reporters Twice – Once for Their Labor, Once for Their Marketing
Court reporting agencies profit twice: first from our labor, then by conscripting us as unpaid sales reps. Some agencies do better, but one is too many. Reporters are not brand ambassadors, cookie pushers, or mock jurors. We are officers of the court, and when neutrality is compromised, justice itself is at risk. Agencies must change — or be called out.
“Spin to Win” for Transcripts? Why This Giveaway Likely Violates California Lottery & Professional Standards Laws
Magna’s “Spin to Win” wheel isn’t harmless fun—it’s an illegal lottery in disguise. By tying raffle entries to transcript submissions and page counts, the company recreates the same scheme Shaunise Day’s Steno in the City™ ran in Long Beach without DOJ registration. In California and most states, Prize + Chance + Consideration = lottery. No free entry means no compliance.
The Incontrovertible Record – Why a Stenographer’s Notes Still Reign Supreme
In every courtroom, voices overlap, tempers flare, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. Amid the chaos, one thing never wavers: the stenographer’s notes. They are the unshakable record—neutral, permanent, and immune to distortion. Machines may glitch, audio may falter, but the stenographer’s notes never lie. They remain the ultimate safeguard of truth in our justice system.
Saving the Profession Isn’t a Runway Walk, It’s a Battlefield
Saving stenography isn’t a runway walk—it’s a battlefield. Agencies have leveraged legislation to gain ground, and courts now put their names on forms once reserved for reporters. Power circles inside our own profession deflect responsibility, as seen in the Notary Loophole fallout. The truth is simple: reporters must reclaim leadership, defend independence, and fight for the integrity of the record.
Who Really Has the Authority to Swear in Witnesses? The Notary vs. Court Reporter Divide
Who really has the authority to swear in witnesses—court reporters or notaries? It’s not a technicality. The power to administer an oath is what gives testimony its binding force. Court reporters, as officers of the court, carry statutory authority. Notaries don’t. Digital reporters straddle the line, often skipping safeguards entirely. The result? A dangerous fault line threatening the integrity of legal proceedings.
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.
The Knox County Privacy Breach – A Wake-Up Call on Confidentiality and Professional Duty
A hidden microphone at the Knox County courthouse exposed private meetings and cost three officials their careers. Beyond Nebraska, the message is clear: confidentiality is the backbone of justice. Court reporters, attorneys, and judges alike must protect the record, audit technology, and guard against shifting liability. Trust, once lost, is nearly impossible to restore.
Court Reporting is the $35,000 Investment That Can Yield Millions
Court reporting may be the smartest career investment few people talk about. For about $35,000 in education, reporters can earn anywhere from $45,000 a year on average to $500,000+ at the top of the field. That’s a lifetime income range of $1.35 million to $15 million. Even at the low end, the ROI far outpaces most college degrees.
Saving Court Reporting – It’s About More Than Fighting AI
The legal world has spent years debating artificial intelligence and digital recording in courtrooms. And with good reason. Accuracy, privacy, and accountability are not luxuries; they are the bedrock of justice. Human court reporters remain the gold standard for preserving the record. But while we fight Silicon Valley’s latest experiment, another crisis is starving ourContinue reading “Saving Court Reporting – It’s About More Than Fighting AI”
No, You Never Served Me – The Truth Behind False Cease-and-Desist Claims
Shaunise Day falsely claimed a cease and desist “didn’t work” against me — but the truth is, it was never valid to begin with. The letter came from someone with a JD but no law license. The California State Bar ruled it was unauthorized practice of law, issued a cease and desist to her, and referred the case to the DOJ. Facts matter. Lies don’t intimidate me.
A Dangerous Shift in California – Why Changes to CSR Exam Requirements Could Gut the Stenographic Pipeline
A qualified student, ready to take California’s rigorous CSR exam after five years of training, was blocked by her school for not passing an internal 225 test—not a state requirement. Other schools refused to sponsor her out of fear of retaliation. Meanwhile, voice writers face fewer barriers. This isn’t about standards—it’s gatekeeping. Politics and policy shifts are sabotaging the steno pipeline from within.
Trial Without a Reporter – What I Witnessed in L.A. Court Should Alarm Every Litigator
When a judge told attorneys, “you don’t need a court reporter” — despite one being present and assigned — it exposed a growing judicial trend: bypassing licensed reporters in favor of unregulated recordings. Critics say it’s not about shortages. It’s about power, profit, and erasing the record itself.
A Victory for Nevada Court Reporters: Senate Bill 191 Signed, Rate Increases Effective January 2026
Nevada court reporters just won big—Governor Lombardo signed a rate increase into law, effective January 1, 2026. This echoes California’s 2021 rate hike from $3.00 to $3.99/page and signals rising recognition of our profession. Freelancers: This is your win, too. Celebrate with NVCRA this Saturday at Café du Central and get ready for what’s next.
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.
Not Optional – Why Stenographers Are Essential to the Constitution and Your Freedom
Court reporters aren’t just transcribers—they’re constitutional safeguards. Without a certified human creating the record, due process collapses. No accurate transcript means no appeal, no accountability, no justice. Stenographers ensure the truth is preserved, rights are protected, and freedom is upheld. Replacing them with machines doesn’t save money—it erodes democracy. Court reporters are the quiet guardians of liberty. Lose them, and you lose the record that protects us all.
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.
Ethical Red Flags – Are Attorneys Violating Rules of Professional Conduct by Retaliating Against Court Reporters?
Some plaintiff attorneys are retaliating against court reporters by replacing them with uncertified digital alternatives—not out of necessity, but spite. In doing so, they may be violating ethical rules around competence, candor, and fairness. Using uncertified transcripts can mislead the court, harm clients, and erode due process. It’s not just bad judgment—it may be professional misconduct.
The Backfire of the Stop the SoCal Stip Movement – How a Campaign to Protect Court Reporting Accelerated Its Threat
The Stop the SoCal Stip movement was meant to protect court reporters—but instead, it triggered resentment among attorneys that’s now fueling our replacement. What began as a legal ethics stand has been twisted into a narrative of greed. The result? Retaliation via digital recording and ASR. If we don’t reclaim the narrative, the gold standard of stenography could disappear.
Empires Built on Convenience – The Parallel Collapse of Big Pharma and Court Reporting
The collapse of Big Pharma’s credibility mirrors the slow unraveling of the court reporting profession. Both industries ignored warnings from within, replaced professionals with profit-driven shortcuts, and now face a reckoning. As automated systems fail to protect the integrity of legal records, certified court reporters must reclaim their role as the Responsible Charge—before our justice system loses something it can’t afford: the truth.
The Case for Court Reporter Cost Transparency and Industry Reform
Attorneys are furious over rising court reporting costs—but the truth is, reporters aren’t the ones profiting. Agencies are marking up per diems by 100–200%, keeping fees for add-ons like exhibits and digital access, while reporters see less than half. It’s time for legislative reform, transparency, and a fair compensation model that protects the profession—and restores integrity to the legal record.
Court Reporting – The Delta Force of Professions
Court reporting school has a dropout rate as high as Delta Force selection—only 5 to 10% make it through. We’re not just typists; we’re elite professionals with real-time mental endurance and precision under pressure. Like Tier One operators, we train for years to master a high-stakes craft. We are the Responsible Charge of the official record—and no machine can replace that.
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.
Protecting the Integrity of the Legal Record Nationwide – A Formal Request for NCRA to Lead on ASR Policy Reform
A National Model Law to Regulate the Use of ASR and Preserve Human Oversight in Legal Proceedings As part of this effort, I respectfully ask that NCRA spearhead a coordinated legislative campaign across all 50 states, using this proposal as a model law. NCRA can play a vital role by providing state associations with aContinue reading “Protecting the Integrity of the Legal Record Nationwide – A Formal Request for NCRA to Lead on ASR Policy Reform”
An Urgent Call for Federal Action – Protecting the Legal Record in the Age of ASR
To the NCRA Board of Directors and Executive Leadership: As our profession stands at a technological crossroads, we are faced with a choice: lead the conversation on responsible innovation—or watch from the sidelines as automation reshapes our industry without us. This letter is a call to action, urging the National Court Reporters Association to takeContinue reading “An Urgent Call for Federal Action – Protecting the Legal Record in the Age of ASR”
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.
When a State Association Leaves the State – Why ILCRA’s Move to Florida Is a Red Flag for Court Reporters Everywhere
Illinois—home to one of the top four court reporting populations in the U.S.—just saw its association headquarters moved to Florida, a state that has eliminated licensing and gone digital. This alarming relocation by ILCRA raises serious concerns about transparency, oversight, and the future of stenography. Why outsource leadership to a state that no longer values licensed court reporters? Members must demand accountability now.
“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.
When Campaign Emails Cross the Line – A Closer Look at the NCRA Vice President Race
Margary Rogers’ campaign email for NCRA Vice President sparked concern for its tone, tactics, and alignment. While promoting experience and leadership, the message included subtle jabs at opponents and leaned heavily on personal branding. With the profession at a crossroads, members should expect professionalism over promotion, and clarity over charisma. This election is about trust, not just titles—and our standards should reflect that.
The SITC Events – Uncovering the Financials, the Fallout, and the Mob Response
At first glance, The Fearless Stenographers Conference seemed like a triumph for the court reporting community. But behind the scenes, it exposed a troubling pattern of financial opacity, legal noncompliance, and retaliatory behavior. When legitimate concerns were raised, Shaunise Day didn’t offer transparency—she launched a campaign of intimidation. This is not just a story about mismanagement. It’s a warning about what happens when ego overrides accountability.
Should Reporters Be Rallying Behind Shaunise Day?
Shaunise Day has positioned herself as a voice within the court reporting profession—despite never completing certification or working as a licensed reporter. While she promotes events and media under the banner of advocacy, many professionals question her credibility and qualifications. In a field defined by precision and licensure, critics argue that leadership should come from those who’ve earned their place within the industry through experience and certification.
SITC and the Court Sponsorship Scandal – Legal Violations, Misused Funds, and Calls for Accountability
Steno in the City, a for-profit LLC, is facing legal scrutiny for soliciting sponsorships without proper registration in Louisiana and California. Marketed as a nonprofit-style event, “Fearless Stenographers 2025” misled sponsors, misused volunteer labor, and potentially diverted public court funds. With multiple state and federal laws potentially violated, legal experts and industry professionals are calling for accountability, transparency, and the return of misappropriated contributions.
Saving Court Reporting – Why Canada’s Loss Is America’s Opportunity to Help
Canada’s only accredited court reporting program is on the verge of collapse—and with it, the integrity of legal records, live captioning, and accessibility services. Called a “national crisis” by the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, NAIT’s decision jeopardizes justice and inclusion. Court reporters aren’t typists—they are the final authority on the record. This profession is vital, and it must be protected.
California Court Reporters Board Strips School Names from CSR Results — A Troubling Move for the Industry
The California Court Reporters Board has removed school names from CSR exam results, sparking concern among the state’s few remaining court-reporting programs. This change, made without notice, strips schools of public recognition crucial for accreditation, recruitment, and credibility. At a time when the profession faces a severe shortage, the move threatens to further weaken the already fragile pipeline of trained court reporters in California.
One Man, Many Hats – Is It Time to Talk About Dave Wenhold’s Role Across Court Reporting Associations?
Dave Wenhold, Executive Director of both NCRA and ILCRA, wields uncommon influence across court reporting associations—raising serious questions about transparency and fairness. With overlapping leadership roles in multiple organizations, critics warn of blurred priorities, potential conflicts of interest, and limited oversight. As membership declines and industry threats grow, many are asking: is this governance structure truly serving the profession—or concentrating too much power in one place?
Who Benefits? The Unanswered Questions About the Money Behind ILCRA’s Partnership with SITC
ILCRA’s decision to redirect event registration and payments to the for-profit Steno in the City raises serious ethical and legal concerns. By allowing a private LLC to collect member data, funds, and volunteer labor, ILCRA risks violating nonprofit standards and labor laws. This unprecedented move compromises member trust, blurs organizational accountability, and demands immediate transparency about where the money goes—and who truly benefits.
A Storm Behind the Skyline: Why Is ILCRA Partnering with Steno in the City?
As the Illinois Court Reporters Association (ILCRA) prepares for its much-anticipated Summer Kickoff Cocktail Party on June 20, 2025, many in the court reporting community are raising serious questions—not about the event itself, but about its co-host: Shaunise Day and her brand, Steno in the City. At first glance, the collaboration may seem like aContinue reading “A Storm Behind the Skyline: Why Is ILCRA Partnering with Steno in the City?”
The California Court Reporting Crisis and How the System Undermines Its Own Professionals
California court reporters are being edged out as agencies prioritize out-of-state labor for remote jobs—often at the expense of legal compliance. Despite clear transcript standards, violations go unchecked due to the CRB’s lack of enforcement authority. Without reforms to licensing, job assignment transparency, and regulatory power, California’s reporting professionals face burnout, underemployment, and a system that no longer supports the high standards it claims to uphold.
California Court Reporters Are Being Squeezed Out – So How Do We Fix This?
California CSRs are being pushed into unsustainable in-person work while remote jobs go to out-of-state reporters—many unfamiliar with California’s strict formatting laws. As noncompliant transcripts flood the system and local professionals are quietly sidelined, the state’s regulatory board remains largely inactive. Without stronger enforcement, equitable job distribution, and industry-wide reform, the profession risks losing both its standards and its future in California.
Why Are Court Reporting Agencies Now on the Record? A Look at the New L.A. Superior Court Form and the Responsible Charge
The revised Order Appointing Court Approved Reporter As Official Reporter Pro Tempore form at Los Angeles Superior Court now requests agency information—raising concerns among court reporters. Agencies handle billing and marketing, but they are not responsible for the official court record. Accountability must remain with the licensed reporter. If accessibility is the issue, update reporter contact details, not the form, to avoid misplacing legal responsibility.
The Peril of Courts Owning the Record – Why the Move Away from Stenographic Reporters Is a Dangerous Step Toward Tyranny
The move to electronic court recording shifts control of the legal record into the hands of the very courts it’s meant to hold accountable—a dangerous conflict of interest. Without independent stenographic court reporters safeguarding the record, transparency erodes, accountability vanishes, and justice itself is jeopardized. When the court owns the record, it controls the narrative—and unchecked power over the truth is the foundation of tyranny.
STENOIMPERIUM 