We recently discussed the importance of the human element in the court reporting industry. While the Georgia court reporters at Elizabeth Gallo Court Reporting, LLC have always embraced technology and innovation, we simply wanted to remind everyone that we are and always will be about the people we serve. One of the most important distinctions between machines and human beings is that humans experience thoughts and emotions. As such, humans also have ethical standards that need to be followed in almost any situation.
That’s no different when it comes to court reporters. Much like with attorneys, there are ethical rules that are published by different associations and governing bodies related to the court reporting industry. The National Court Reporters Association, or the NCRA, has published some of these rules and standards. You can rest assured that the court reporters at Elizabeth Gallo Court Reporting, LLC have taken these standards to heart and that we dutifully adhere to them. We’d just like to point out a few of these standards so that people can understand a bit more about how we do what we do.
1. Objectivity
When one thinks of being objective in a courtroom setting, most would visualize the judge and the jury. Court reporters need to be objective as well, and that includes both how court reporters act and even any potential appearance of lack of objectivity.
2. Conflicts of Interest
Judges are supposed to recuse themselves from cases where conflicts of interest are present. Attorneys are supposed to turn down representation of clients where these same types of conflicts exist. Court reporters are also supposed to disclose any potential conflicts of interest in keeping with the objectivity standard discussed above.
3. Impropriety
While many people may not think about this much, there are several ways in which court reporters can act inappropriately. The Georgia court reporters at Elizabeth Gallo Court Reporting, LLC, make sure to not only act appropriately, but to avoid even giving off the appearance of impropriety in accordance with the standard.
4. Confidentiality
Once again, most people do not think of court reporters when it comes to duties of confidentiality. In a legal setting, most people would think about the attorneys. Court reporters are also supposed to do what’s necessary to protect confidential information in order to preserve the rights and interests of all of the parties to a particular case.
5. Honesty
Honesty is a standard in court reporting that reaches several levels. Obviously, court reporters need to be honest with their transcripts. Court reporting firms also need to be honest about the messages they put out about their services when they are advertising, much like attorneys.
Court reporters need to follow many of the same ethical standards as attorneys and judges. Clearly, there is no flexibility in this regard with the team at Elizabeth Gallo Court Reporting, LLC. If you’d like to learn more about our services, feel free to contact us at any time.
