California's largest trial court, the Los Angeles County Superior Court, announced the layoff of 60 court reporters starting in June, with another 60 converted into part-time reporters, in order to save $10.2 million, reports the Daily Journal. If the plan is approved, the court would no longer provide reporters for civil trials, except for family court. Reporters would be available part-time for civil-law-and-motion calendars.
Other counties have also let go court reporters, including San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, Marin, Napa, and Santa Cruz. Observers fear a two-tier justice system would emerge, with only the affluent able to pay for their own court stenographers. Governor Jerry Brown and the Legislature cut $350 million from the courts' budget last year, with another $50 in the offing, which could rise to $125 million if voters in November reject the governor's initiative calling for tax increases.
