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: politics
Why Most Court Reporters Don’t Quit — And Why That Matters
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.
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.
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.
From Wax Tablets to Quill to Realtime – A 2,000-Year Journey of Shorthand
Long before steno machines, Ancient Greek scribes developed shorthand to capture debates and court proceedings. The Romans expanded it, Taylor and Pitman refined it, and Ward Stone Ireland’s 1911 machine revolutionized it. Today’s realtime theories trace their lineage back over 2,000 years—a legacy of precision, linguistic mastery, and adaptation that defines the court reporting profession.
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.
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.
The Stars That Sing – Hearing the Truth in Court Reporting
The Bushmen pitied Laurens van der Post when he admitted he could not hear the stars sing. Today, I feel the same grief for our profession. The truth rings out—schools reporting poaching, leaders failing in accountability—yet so many refuse to hear it. Our poverty is not material, but in losing the ability to hear the song of truth itself.
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.
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.
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.
When Advocacy Turns Hostile – A Call for Integrity in Court Reporting
When advocacy turns hostile, professionalism suffers. In the court reporting world, performative leadership and public bullying are replacing ethics and collaboration. This anonymous essay calls for a return to integrity — where disagreement isn’t met with defamation, and leadership doesn’t rely on intimidation. The future of steno depends not just on who speaks, but how we choose to lead.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Gatekeeping, Fear, and the Silencing of Dissent is a Hot Crisis in the Court Reporting Community
In today’s court reporting profession, too many voices are silenced not by debate, but by dismissal. When someone asks, “Who are you?” before deciding whether to block you, it’s not curiosity—it’s control. Gatekeeping has replaced dialogue, and fear has replaced professionalism. We must stop judging messages by the messenger and start confronting the culture that protects power over truth. Silencing isn’t safety—it’s complicity.
When the Boardroom Becomes a Crime Scene – Abuse, Silence, and Accountability in the Court Reporting Profession
Workplace intimidation in court reporting isn’t just toxic—it’s a weapon. When fear silences dissent and leadership enables abuse, the cost can be fatal. Whistleblowers are met not with concern, but with hostility: “Who is this?” That question isn’t curiosity—it’s a tactic. Silence protects power. Accountability must start with association boards and court leadership. Because when harm is ignored, complicity becomes policy.
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 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.
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.
California’s AB 882 – A Temporary Solution or a Trojan Horse?
California’s AB 882 aims to address the court reporter shortage by temporarily allowing electronic recordings, but its vague language on “good-faith” hiring efforts leaves room for abuse. Without clear standards, the bill risks becoming a Trojan horse for permanent electronic recording. Real solutions require accountability, innovation, and long-term investment—not a short-term fix that could undermine human court reporting forever.
Fixing the Broken Court Reporting Compensation Model: A FairSplit™ Proposal
Court reporters are vital to the legal system but are often underpaid and overworked. The FairSplit™ model aims to fix that with a fairer compensation structure—70/30 revenue splits, transcript ownership rights, and 100% per diem pay. It’s a blueprint for restoring dignity, transparency, and sustainability in the profession. FairSplit™ is more than a model—it’s a movement for justice in justice.
Inside the Diddy Trial – The Rock Star is the Real-Time Court Reporter Behind the Scenes – While Media Leans on AI
While media outlets like Court TV rely on AI-generated summaries of the Diddy trial, a skilled real-time stenographic reporter from Southern District Reporters, P.C. is officially documenting every word in federal court. Despite public confusion, the court’s official transcript comes from this human professional—not artificial intelligence. Journalists like Meghann Cuniff have praised the court reporter’s accuracy and speed in such a high-profile, fast-paced case.
The Realities of Court Reporting School, Certification, and Career Paths in California
Court reporting offers a high-demand, well-compensated career, but entering the field requires a major investment of time and money. With rigorous certification standards, state licensing requirements, and tuition costs exceeding $60,000, it’s not a casual commitment. However, the long-term rewards—job security, strong benefits, and six-figure potential—make it a viable path for those prepared to meet the challenge and navigate California’s competitive legal landscape.
Court Reporting vs. Other Professions – A Wake-Up Call on ROI for Students
Court reporting is one of the best-kept secrets in high-income careers. With just 1–3 years of training and a $20K–$65K investment, skilled reporters in California can earn $180K–$360K+, with top earners hitting $500K–$1M+. Compared to the time and cost of becoming a doctor or lawyer, court reporting offers an unmatched ROI—fast, lucrative, and future-proof for students seeking real financial freedom.
The Myth of 60,000 Court Reporters – How Inflated Figures Are Misleading the Legal Industry
The court reporter “shortage” has been exaggerated by misleading data—like inflated claims of 60,000 past reporters and failed projections from the 2013 Ducker Study. In reality, California has over 5,500 active reporters, with new licensees—especially voice writers—on the rise. With realistic recruitment, the shortage could be resolved in under six years. The crisis isn’t supply—it’s misinformation and mismanagement.
Who Owns the Record? What the Biden Leak Means for Court Reporters
President Biden’s leaked audio wasn’t just a political moment—it was a wake-up call for court reporters. When legal recordings fall into untrained hands, confidentiality and trust go with them. This blog explores why court reporters, as the Responsible Charge, are essential to protecting the integrity of the record—and what’s at stake if we’re pushed out of the process.
STENOIMPERIUM 