What should a court reporter do if they feel they can be objective despite a personal relationship with someone involved?

The correct approach for a court reporter who finds themselves in a situation where they have a personal relationship with someone involved in the case is to disclose the relationship to ensure transparency. This action is critical for maintaining the integrity of the judicial process. Transparency helps to uphold the trust that the court and the public place in the legal system. By disclosing the relationship, the court reporter allows for a review of potential biases that might affect their objectivity, thereby preserving the fairness of the proceedings.

Moreover, ethical guidelines in the field of court reporting emphasize the importance of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety. Failing to disclose a personal relationship can lead to questions about the court reporter’s impartiality, which can undermine the credibility of the court record. Transparency is a fundamental principle in maintaining the high standards expected from legal professionals, ensuring that everyone involved in the judicial process can proceed with confidence in the integrity of the reporting.

Taking this step demonstrates professionalism and an understanding of the ethical obligations that court reporters have in their role, ensuring that justice is served without any perceived influence from personal relationships.