What type of interactions should a court reporter avoid with parties involved in a case?

A court reporter should avoid discussions about personal issues with parties involved in a case to maintain a professional boundary that is essential for impartiality and the integrity of the judicial process. Engaging in personal conversations may lead to perceived biases or favoritism, which could compromise the court reporter's objectivity. The role of the court reporter is to document proceedings accurately and neutrally without letting personal or subjective matters interfere with their professionalism.

Discussions about case details could also introduce issues regarding confidentiality or influence the court reporter’s perception of the proceedings. Similarly, professional networking is generally a standard practice; however, it should not occur with parties involved in ongoing cases to avoid any appearance of impropriety. Sharing past experiences may also blur the lines of neutrality and could lead to a situation where the court reporter appears to have an agenda or bias. Thus, maintaining a strict boundary around personal matters is crucial for the ethical standards expected in the role of a court reporter.