Can automated transcription tools replace human court reporters?

The stenographer has long been one of the most important parts of any courtroom. Typing on a small machine that produced a seemingly random series of letters on a small strip of paper about the size of what cash registers use to produce receipts required extensive training and a superhuman attention span. One missed sentence or one inaccurate transcription and the entire case file could be in jeopardy.

Transcription technology has been around for a while, but its accuracy has never been higher, meaning human court reporters have remained the gold standard.

However, recent technological advances, as well as a shortage of court reporters nationwide and the increased use of virtual depositions and hearings, have created an opening for automated transcription tools.

Now, artificial intelligence could make automated transcription even more accurate. As technology continues to improve, is it possible that it could eventually replace human court reporters?

In this episode of the Podcast for legal rebelsKarl Seelbach talks to the ABA Journal’s Victor Li about the state of automated court reporting, how it compares to human stenographers, and how generative AI has changed the industry. Seelbach, a trial attorney, is co-founder of Skribean AI-based court reporting and transcription service.

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