Analyzing the Experiences of Court Stenographers using Live Transcription during Video Conferencing Hearings

AUTHOR(S)

ANTHONY E. CABANATAN

ABSTRACT

— In recent years, modern technology has gradually adopted into the justice system allowing for remote participation in court proceedings. The adoption of virtual hearings by the Supreme Court of the Philippines represents a major change in the Philippine justice system that, according to previous reports, has shift the tasks of court stenographers who has to learn how to operate live transcription technology. This qualitative study explores court stenographers’ experiences in this new landscape, examining the challenges, opportunities, and its implications to the administration of justice system. This study employed a phenomenological research design with the use of Colaizzi’s method of inquiry to investigate the lived experiences of court stenographers using live transcription tools during video conferencing hearings. The researcher utilized in-depth interviews, with open-ended questions as the qualitative measures. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents who met the inclusion criteria with regards to the objectives of the study on the experiences of the court stenographers in using live transcription tools during video conferencing hearings in Tacloban City. The study reveals three themes, including (1) Efficiency of Transcription, (2) Challenges Faced, and (3) Training and Support Provided. Based in the results, the live transcription tool of court proceedings emerged as much convenient, however, it also presented a whole range of technical, professional and emotional constraints, key findings include the need to address a series of disruptions surrounding internet access, software crashes, and lack of formal training on the use of live transcription tools to court stenographers. Study’s recommendation aims to enhance the efficacy and accuracy of the use of live transcription technology in remote court proceedings ultimately supporting the administration of justice. Keywords — Court stenographer, Live transcription, Video conferencing, Remote hearings, Justice system, Court proceedings