How do court systems often make decisions about making the record? By examining one item: cost. Many times, rather than studying the best and most-effective manner for ensuring a fair and efficient judicial process, courts deal with budgetary pressure by replacing court reporters with alternative methodologies. Yet they take this step unaware of the hidden costs and problems inherent in this strategy.
To counter this approach and develop a tool of real benefit to the courts - and to court reporters - the Justice Management Institute, a well-respected and recognized leader in the judicial field, with funding and guidance from the National Court Reporters Foundation, embarked on a two-year effort to develop a jurisdiction specific self-assessment guide and resource manual that helps courts examine the best approach for managing the record-making function. The result? The two-volume How to Conduct an Assessment of Your Court's Record-Making Operations: A Systemic Approach.
During initial research for the project, JMI, together with NCRA and NCRF, determined that the judicial system needed new, fresh and complete information so courts could make informed decisions about record-making applications, including realtime reporting. Thus, the development of a tool that engages not only court administration, not only judges, but all stakeholders in this critical function.
Volume 1: The Self-Assessment Guide offers an overview of record-making technology and its implications for the future, advice on preparing and conducting the self-assessment, and how to develop an action plan. Volume 2: The Resource Manual provides materials for the self-assessment process. Also available is the Executive Summary, which helps to explain the benefits of moving forward with a systemic review of a court's record-making approach.
This two-volume study benefits the reporting profession and the judiciary by:
- Helping the courts identify who has a stake in record-making operations,
- Offering information on the many factors involved when considering various court reporting methodologies,
- Serving as a unique, valuable and credible tool for educating the courts about what a highly skilled court reporter can do, and
- Ensuring that courts make smart and informed decisions about how to make the record.
Click below to download free PDF copies of:
You may order a print copy of The Executives Summary, Volume 1 & Volume 2 from the NCRA Online Store or call 800-272-6272.