Ethical Responsibilities Every Court Reporter Has to Follow

By: Colleen Jilio-Ryan | Posted in: court reporter

Court reporters are responsible for recording every aspect of a trial down to the smallest detail. They must be accurate, concise and able to capture every word and action that takes place in the courtroom during a trial or hearing. A court reporter must maintain the highest of ethical standards to ensure that they meet and exceed what is expected of them during the performance of their duties.

Guarantee Security
A court reporter must continually guarantee that their transcripts are secure and protected from various breaches and possible viruses that could corrupt the files. Files should be backed up and an extra copy should be kept in case of an accident or other mishap that could result in the original copy being damaged in some way. This includes any and all exhibits as well as transcripts and notes that are taken during the trial or hearing.

Security involves not only protection from Internet breaches caused by viruses and glitches in software programs, but also during storage. In many cases, a court reporter will make several copies so that all parties involved can have a copy. This ensures that if one copy is destroyed or damaged in any way, there will always be a backup that can be referenced at a later date if it is needed.

Maintain Fair Pricing
Maintain fair pricing at all times. Every client should be made aware of all fees upfront. Make sure that all parties are charged the same amount and no discounts are given. Offering a lower or discounted price to one party over another could indicate favoritism or partiality, bringing the reputation of the court reporter into question. Rates should be the same across the board for every client who requests a court reporter’s services.

Fair pricing for all clients is an ideal way to maintain an unbiased and unquestionable reputation. Although some clients rates may vary due to mileage or time needed to complete the work requested, the rates for each task must remain the same for every client. This ensures no favoritism and reduces the risk of a court reporter’s work being questioned during a trial or other court related action.

Protect Confidentiality
Court reporters must do everything within their power to maintain the highest level of confidentiality. In many cases, court documents may be sealed, especially if they contain information about a minor child or other legal proceedings that could be jeopardized if the information is divulged to the wrong party. Court systems require reporters to maintain the highest level of confidentiality possible to protect not only the sanctity of the court, but also witnesses and other individuals that may be directly affected by the proceedings.

Court reporters must be able to secure the computers and other electronic devices so that information is not lost or stolen. Confidentiality can be breached in many ways other than talking about a case. Files can be stolen or forwarded to others. A computer or transcription machine that is left unattended can be compromised in a matter of minutes. Reporters must constantly be aware of their machines and protect the vital information they contain.

Remain Unbiased
During a trial, court reporters must listen to everything that goes on around them. They must remain unbiased and transcribe each document as accurately and precisely as possible. The validity of the case itself depends on the reporters’ documentation. A reporter must listen to every statement and record it without considering its weight one way or another.

It is not the court reporter’s job to choose what is recorded or what facts should be included. Every statement, reference and exhibit must be properly and accurately recorded to maintain the integrity of the case from start to finish. A court reporter who knows someone involved with the case or has information that is pertinent to the case, may be asked to step down from the position and let an unbiased third-party court reporter take over the duties.

Court reporters must follow a code of ethics just like every other court official. This ensures that every defendant and respondent receives fair treatment before, during and after the trial.