Opposition warns court reporter shortage could have far-reaching consequences

The Opposition People's National Party is warning the Government to consider the long-term implications of its inaction in resolving the issue of the shortage of court reporters.

Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Senator Donna Scott-Mottley said in a media release on Monday that the shortage poses a significant threat to the efficiency of the judicial system, with the looming risk of prematurely ending court terms.

Highlighting the crucial role played by court reporters in ensuring the accuracy and transparency of court proceedings, Scott-Mottley says their absence not only endangers the resolution of cases but undermines the very integrity of the legal process and the constitutional requirement for a fair and timely hearing.

“Immediate attention is needed to avert a detrimental impact on the hard-earned advancements made in the judicial system and the timely disposition of legal matters in recent years”, says Scott-Mottley. 

In November 2023, Scott-Mottley had called for the government to urgently address the impending crisis in court reporter salaries and working conditions.

"Regrettably, despite repeated pleas for attention to this alarming issue, the Government has failed to take decisive action, leading to unprecedented consequences," she says.

Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn has expressed fear that the acute shortage of court reporters to take verbatim notes and prepare transcripts of proceedings in the circuit courts is going to cause a negative and toxic effect on the administration of justice.

The complement for the staff is 45 but that number has now dwindled to 22, a court reporter has said.

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