TBA Law Blog


Posted by: Stacey Shrader Joslin on Jan 24, 2024

The Tennessee Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges is opposing sunsetting of the Board of Court Reporting and elimination of the licensure requirements for court reporters in the state. In a statement, the council writes that, “properly trained and licensed court reporters” are necessary for certain juvenile court proceedings, including termination of parental rights. Because of the high stakes involved in these cases, the council says it is vital that transcripts accurately reflect what happens. Without licensed court reporters, the group says it is concerned that the “legitimacy and authenticity of the transcript may be challenged” — potentially leading an appellate court to vacate or reverse a juvenile court decision with “catastrophic consequences for the child and prospective adoptive family.” Public comments on possible sunsetting of the court reporting board were accepted through Jan. 19.