What ethical dilemma might a court reporter encounter during a trial?

Confidentiality and impartiality are fundamental principles guiding a court reporter's conduct during a trial. When serving in this role, a court reporter is privy to sensitive and often confidential information that must remain undisclosed outside the courtroom. This duty to maintain confidentiality can pose numerous ethical dilemmas, particularly if information about the case or the parties involved is inadvertently shared or discussed with unauthorized persons.

Additionally, impartiality is crucial since a court reporter must remain neutral and unbiased. They are responsible for creating an accurate and verbatim record of the proceedings, without favoring either party. Any hint of bias can undermine the integrity of the court records and impact the judicial process. This need for impartiality can create dilemmas if the reporter has personal opinions about the case or if there are external pressures that could influence their neutrality.

Choosing a side in the case and negotiating pay rates with attorneys can present ethical considerations, but they do not directly capture the fundamental responsibilities and dilemmas faced by court reporters in regard to their role in the judicial system. Rather, confidentiality and impartiality are at the forefront of a court reporter’s ethical responsibilities, making them particularly relevant to the challenges encountered during a trial.