Professional Ethics and Conduct
The Reporter's Neutral Role
A court reporter is a neutral officer of the court, not an advocate for either side. Ethical practice requires impartiality, confidentiality, accuracy, and avoidance of conflicts of interest. Reporters must not accept gifts or favors that could influence their work, must not discuss case content improperly, and must protect the integrity of the record.
Concepts to Master
- Impartiality: No favoritism; treat all parties equally.
- Confidentiality: Grand jury proceedings and sealed matters carry strict limits; disclose only as authorized.
- Accuracy and integrity: Never alter a transcript after certification except through proper procedures (e.g., court order or a corrected certificate noting changes).
- Conflicts: Disclose relationships that could compromise neutrality.
- Scope of practice: Judicial reporting versus CART; do not exceed certification.
- Ex parte communications: Avoid discussing a pending case with one party outside the proceeding.
Common Traps
Questions may present a reporter asked to "fix" a transcript to help a party-refuse and follow lawful correction procedures. Another trap involves a reporter asked to opine on a witness's credibility-outside the role. Also watch for scenarios about accepting gifts from counsel or discussing testimony with a party; both are improper.
Rule of Thumb
Ask: "Would this action compromise my neutrality or the record's integrity?" If yes, decline and, where appropriate, notify the court. When uncertain about disclosure, err toward transparency with the court.
Worked Example
A party asks the reporter to omit an unfavorable exchange from the transcript. Correct response: decline; the record must be complete. If a genuine error exists, follow the lawful correction process with notice to all parties and court approval.