New York courts highlight the essential role of court reporters

February 7, 2024 Robert Abruzzese, Courthouse Editor

Senior Court Reporter Jennie Fantasia has worked in the Brooklyn court system since 1987 with Principal Court Reporter Keith Olarnick.
Photo: Robert Abruzzese/Brooklyn Eagle

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In celebration of National Court Reporting and Captioning Week, which is taking place from Feb. 3-10, the New York State Courts are spotlighting the indispensable role of court reporters within the justice system.

“We are indebted to our court reporters for their valuable contributions. The work that they do each day is critical to the Court System’s mission and operations,” said Chief Administrative Judge Joseph Zayas.

“In recognition of National Court Reporting and Captioning Week, I am pleased to join in celebrating our highly trained and dedicated corps of court reporters and encouraging students, job seekers, and others to learn more about the rewarding career opportunities available, from court reporter trainees to senior court reporters, in courthouses across New York.”

Court reporters are pivotal in ensuring that every word spoken in various court settings is accurately recorded and transcribed. These professionals employ the latest technology to convert spoken words into real-time text, creating a complete and precise record of proceedings such as arraignments, trials and other legal processes.

The theme for this year’s celebration, endorsed by the National Court Reporters Association, is “125 Years of Accuracy and Integrity,” reflecting the profession’s longstanding commitment to precision and ethical standards.

Amidst growing demand for court reporters across New York State, the Court System is actively promoting the career through enhanced social media outreach, recruitment posters and informational videos featuring court reporters discussing their roles and career journeys.

First Deputy Chief Administrative Judge Norman St. George also praised the meticulous efforts of court reporters in upholding justice.

“I am so proud of our extraordinarily capable and diligent court reporters whose work is integral to the fair administration of justice,” said Judge St. George. “As we commemorate National Court Reporting and Captioning Week, it is my great pleasure to laud their meticulous, year-round efforts. Let us all express our gratitude for their outstanding work.”

Christy Bass, the Court System’s Director of Human Resources, emphasized the essential role of court reporters in ensuring fairness and accountability in the courtroom. Michael DeVito, from the Court System’s Office of the Record, highlighted the limitations of electronic recording and the irreplaceable value of human court reporters in providing real-time transcription and ensuring accurate court records.

The timing of this event seems like no coincidence as the court system is currently low on the number of court reporters it has available. As the New York State Courts seek to fill the growing demand, it hopes that this will raise awareness about this rewarding career path, hoping to inspire future generations to consider court reporting as a viable and fulfilling profession.