Court Reporter Shortage in California Leaves Millions Without a Path to Appeal

When most people think of a courtroom, they expect fairness and a clear, official record of the proceedings. But in California—and particularly in Riverside County—that expectation is becoming a luxury. A critical shortage of court reporters is creating a ripple effect that could be undermining the entire justice system.

“Walking into a court system that was designed to have accountability by layers of review was gone,” said one concerned observer. The absence of court reporters is now leaving many civil court proceedings without any official transcript, a key tool in ensuring accountability.

Court reporters are essential because appellate courts do not conduct new trials—they review transcripts for possible legal errors. Without a transcript, there is effectively no way to appeal.

“Judges, in my opinion, try to do their very best,” said one legal expert. “But sometimes they’re just wrong. And if they are, there’s an appellate court… but you can’t appeal without a record.”

That record now comes with a hefty price tag. As of January 27, Riverside Superior Court ceased providing court reporters for civil, family, and probate matters. According to the Judicial Branch of California, the cost of hiring a private court reporter can range from $2,500 to $3,300 per day—an amount many cannot afford.

The statistics paint a dire picture: Of the 2.2 million civil hearings in California since April 2023, more than 1.5 million had no court reporter present.

What’s driving this shortage remains a matter of debate. Some blame budget cuts; others point to a shrinking, aging workforce. Regardless of the cause, the impact is devastating. “The question is, what are our priorities?” one source asked. “Equal justice under the law? Or balancing the budget?”

For the millions of Californians who depend on family and civil courts each year, the absence of court reporters is not just a bureaucratic issue—it’s a barrier to justice. Without a transcript, decisions—right or wrong—may never be reviewed.