Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
A Shortage Of Court Reporters In LA Means That Some People Will Have To Pay For Their Own
The inside of an L.A. courtroom.
(
Emily Elena Dugdale
/
LAist
)
Topline:
A court reporter shortage crisis means the Los Angeles Superior Court will no longer provide free verbatim transcripts for some civil cases.
Why it matters: It's creating what some advocates call a two-tiered justice system.
Why the shortage exists: A joint statement this week from 54 chief executives of Superior Courts in California describes a widespread shortage in court reporters and few remaining training programs. In short, they say there are no court reporters to hire.
Support for LAist comes from
"Over 50% of the California courts have reported that they are unable to routinely cover non-mandated case types including civil, family law and probate."
What court reporters are saying: The L.A. County Court Reporters Assn. has pushed back on what they call "misconceptions" about the reporter shortage and offer what they call "easy solutions." They also provide a document on the group's website of recruitment suggestions.
And Rosalina Nava, a court reporter, represented by by SEIU 721, said Sherri R. Carter, the CEO of Los Angeles Superior Court, needs to do more to recruit new court reporters.
"We believe that if you are going in to have your day in court some of the most difficult moments in your life — whether it's, you know, a probate issue or a divorce or child support issue — there shouldn't be one more obstacle for you to overcome," Nava said, "because as taxpayers you have already paid for them. And the state has already funded."
What the impact will be: Beginning Nov. 14, participants in some non-criminal cases will have to pay for their own court reporters, which costs between $800 and $2,000 per day. Some advocates say it's creating a two-tiered justice system.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
Isolated showers can still hit the L.A. area until Friday as remnants from the tropical storm move out. -
First aspiring spectators must register online, then later in 2026 there will be a series of drawings. -
It's thanks to Tropical Storm Mario, so also be ready for heat and humidity, and possibly thunder and lightning. -
L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding. -
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/5425437/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3897+0+0/resize/640x396!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
L.A. County investigators have launched a probe into allegations about Va Lecia Adams Kellum and people she hired at the L.A. Homeless Services Authority. -
This measure on the Nov. 4, 2025, California ballot is part of a larger battle for control of the U.S. House of Representatives next year.
![A Black woman sits at a dais with a flag in the background. A name placard in front of her reads: Dr. Va Lecia Adams Kell[um].](https://scpr.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/45c201e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/6298x3894+0+0/resize/786x486!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fscpr-brightspot.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com%2F76%2F00%2Febed9a7a4fbd9e5ba12997e51d59%2Fgettyimages-1258669633.jpg)
Best of LAist