Court Reporters May Be Replaced With Technology

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- In the courtroom, court reporters have one of the most important jobs. They are responsible for listening and then capturing every single word spoken.

Those words are then transcribed so there is an official copy to the court proceeding or deposition.

"It takes a lot of concentration," says Cindy Danese, who has been a court reporter for 29 years.

Danese says she realizes she could be pushed out of the job with new technology and a rough economy.

Right now, some are thinking about replacing court reporters with an electronic audio recording device.

"I think they would be taking a big risk, because a lot depends on transcription," says Danese.

In Duval County and the rest of the Fourth Judicial Circuit, court reporters are used in most of the cases.

Public Defender Matt Shirk says he is looking at the option to save some money.

"Where we can save we will. Right now, we're gonna do it the old school way and have a court reporter present. We're certainly exploring the issue," says Shirk.

Shirk says the issue has been a topic of discussion for the Florida Public Defender's Association. He also says State Attorney Angela Corey would have to agree with the decision.

Other Circuits in Florida have already made the move. Some say while they are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars, there have been some issues.

"I've seen cases on appeal where they can't produce a transcript because the tape is just not useable," says Second Circuit Public Defender Nancy Daniels.

Danese says time, money and quality are all issues that should be considered before a decision is made.

Danese also realizes that after 29 years on the job, she could be hunting for a new one in the future. "It would affect a lot of people in this town."

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