Why Court Reporters Can’t be Replaced by Technology

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

With machines and computers taking over a large portion of duties in many offices, they will never be able to match the benefits of having a real court reporter working on your case. Machines do have benefits, but they are mechanical and are not easily adjusted to real time situations.

Here are some of the reasons court reporters can’t be replaced by technology:

Real Time Performance
Court reporters offer real-time performance. They can adjust to disruptions and distractions with little or no effect on the quality and integrity of their work. They are able to adjust easily to changes in the environment and can easily note those changes in the documentation.

Going Beyond the Transcript
A court reporter can go beyond the transcript. A recording will pick up everything from background noise to a person’s testimony. A court reporter can distinguish between various types of noises and distractions that could detract from a person’s testimony.

More Accurate Than Voice Recognition Software
Voice recorders can often misinterpret words they hear if the speaker does not clearly enunciate as they are talking. A court reporter can stop and ask the person to repeat themselves to better understand what is being said. This increases the accuracy and credibility of a document.

Personalized Public Service
Court reporters provide a personalized, public service that goes above and beyond anything that a machine can do. They offer real-time service and are immediately available for questions or interpretations of documents.

Immediate Turnaround in Multiple Formats
Court reporters often provide immediate turn around in multiple formats including printed, photographic, digital, and voice. Many times, paralegals request both printed and digital forms of files, making them easier to use in court and in meetings.