What are the three important bywords for a court reporter's ethics?

Impartiality, objectivity, and discretion are key principles that resonate with the ethical responsibilities of a court reporter.

Impartiality ensures that a court reporter does not favor any party involved in a legal matter. This is crucial because court reporters serve as neutral parties who must ensure that the record reflects the proceedings accurately, without bias. Their role is to capture every word spoken during the proceedings, giving equal weight to all voices.

Objectivity involves approaching the work without personal opinions or influences affecting the recording of events. Court reporters must maintain a mindset that allows them to focus solely on the facts being presented in the courtroom, ensuring that the official transcript is a reliable source of the proceedings.

Discretion is vital for safeguarding the confidentiality and sensitivity of the information that court reporters handle. They often have access to private conversations and documents, so exercising discretion helps maintain the integrity of the legal process and the trust that the public has in the judicial system.

These three principles work together to guide court reporters in their duties, ensuring that their work is both ethical and professional.