It’s Not A Dying Profession, You Still Need A Human Touch

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In the court room, the job of Court Stenographer is often overlooked, but Director of the Court Reporting Unit, Dr. Royanne Morrison, describes it as an essential job.

Dr. Royanne Morrison – Director, Court Reporting Unit

“People may look at it as a dying profession, but it’s not, you still need that human element.”

Dr. Royanne Morrison is a 29-year veteran in this field.

Nearly 3 decades ago she saw a newspaper ad, and decided to take a chance on a not so well-known career – Court Stenography.

Dr. Royanne Morrison – Director, Court Reporting Unit

“I was like what it that? I’ve never heard of it before, but I was curious.”

Following that decision, was years of schooling and honing her skills as a stenographer, also known as a court reporter.

These professionals transcribe spoken words into written text at high speed, using shorthand notation or a special stenotype machine, to create verbatim records of legal proceedings.

It’s not an easy job, so it often requires years of schooling that includes learning medical and legal terms.

Dr. Royanne Morrison – Director, Court Reporting Unit

“The attrition rate is relatively high in this field. You need at least two and a half years regularly to complete the course from start to finish.”

Morrison confirms there are currently 24 court reporters in country, who are primarily attached to criminal courts.

Dr. Royanne Morrison – Director, Court Reporting Unit

“Ideally, we would love to cover every court. But normally we have two persons assigned to every court…and so 24 court reporters, 23 active court reporters, you do the math. That will only basically cover about 12 courts.”

Like in many other jurisdictions, at times there has been a shortage of stenographers.

For example, in California, U.S. lawmakers say a shortage of court reporters has had a direct impact on trials, which has also been an issue here in The Bahamas.

As a result, in recent years, the judiciary implemented the “For The Record” system, which uses a speech to text system to complete transcripts.

However, if you think this system will put stenographers out of work, think again. Dr. Morrison says they’re working side by side.

Dr. Royanne Morrison – Director, Court Reporting Unit

“We give an accurate record, that is the difference between what we do and what AI can do. AI is good, we can work in tandem with that because if we get a recording or even a speech to text, we can go through that, and ensure it’s accurate.”