California’s legal system is facing a critical challenge that could fundamentally undermine citizens’ access to justice. A severe shortage of court reporters is leaving thousands of civil proceedings without official transcripts, effectively blocking many people’s ability to appeal court decisions.

Since 2023, over 1.7 million family law, restraining order, and probate cases have gone undocumented due to a lack of court reporters. This shortage creates a stark divide in the judicial system: wealthy litigants can afford private court reporters at $3,000 per day, while others are left without a record of their hearings.

The problem stems from a dramatic decline in court reporter numbers. Where California once had 7,500 licensed court reporters in 2010, that number has now dropped to around 4,600, with nearly half eligible for retirement in 2023. Despite attractive salaries averaging over $200,000 with benefits, courts struggle to recruit new professionals.

Legal aid groups are pushing for solutions, including a controversial bill that would temporarily allow digital recordings in courtrooms. However, court reporter unions are resisting technological alternatives, arguing that only human transcription can guarantee 100% accuracy.

Experts like UC Berkeley linguist Nicole Holliday point out that current AI transcription technologies are inadequate, often trained on limited language datasets that don’t represent California’s linguistic diversity. Meanwhile, technology researchers see potential in AI as a future solution that could democratize access to judicial records.

The core issue remains: without a verbatim record, individuals like Ashley Paschen find themselves unable to appeal potentially life-changing court decisions. This systemic barrier disproportionately impacts those with the least resources, creating what legal advocates describe as a “two-tiered” system of justice.

As California grapples with this complex challenge, the stakes are clear: the fundamental right to a fair legal process hangs in the balance.