In a recent decision, the Texas Court of Appeals, Third District at Austin, has allowed Texas court reporters to advance their claims against a state commission. The reporters contend that the commission improperly authorized notaries to record depositions and administer oaths. This decision came as an affirmation of a trial court’s order, thereby granting the reporters jurisdiction to initiate discovery.
The plaintiffs – a court reporter and a court reporting firm – had previously attempted to persuade the Judicial Branch Certification Commission to investigate alleged violations but to no avail. The discovery process they now aim to initiate revolves around an industry threat that has the potential to replace their stenography service through the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI).
This burgeoning conflict highlights the perceived danger AI poses to certain professions, in this case, court reporting. The confrontation between traditional stenography services and AI-facilitated processes can be seen as part of a wider discussion concerning the role and impact of AI in the legal profession.
For in-depth coverage of the decision and its potential implications, you can read the full article here.