The California Court Reporters Association Bylaws states its purpose as follows:
Article II: The purpose of the association shall be: a) To sponsor, promote, and execute policies, activities and legislative initiatives which further the profession of court reporting; b) To promote verbatim court reporting technologies over alternative reporting methods; c) To engage in activities which will assist in establishing and maintaining high standards of proficiency and conditions of employment under which court reporters practice; d) To promote a broader understanding and acceptance of the verbatim court reporter as an indispensable part of the judicial system; e) To promote lawful and professional conduct by court reporters and compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, including antitrust laws.
The importance of the role of the Certified Shorthand Reporter in the judicial system places ethical obligations on those who serve in this capacity. This Code of Professional Conduct has been adopted to reflect current standards in the verbatim court reporting profession and to set forth directives on professional behavior. Acceptance of these directives by members is voluntary.
This Code of Professional Conduct attempts to meet the expressed needs of those who provide verbatim court reporting services for guidance in their responsibilities of integrity and impartiality. To maintain the highest level of professional practice within the verbatim court reporting industry, this code attempts to sensitize all members to the ethical issues that may arise in their profession and to encourage those who provide verbatim court reporting services to practice in accordance with the highest ethical standards of the profession.
The practice of verbatim court reporting is governed by state and federal law. This Code of Professional Conduct is intended to apply only to the extent it does not conflict with applicable state or federal law or authoritative judicial rules or decisions.
This code cannot cover every conceivable ethical situation in which those who provide 'verbatim court reporting services may find themselves, but it is intended to provide consistent and reliable guidelines for most such situations. The Board of Directors may evaluate these situations as they arise and, if appropriate, revise this code.
Although this Code of Professional Conduct refers exclusively to verbatim court reporters, the principles contained herein apply to all members of CCRA whether or not they are practicing verbatim court reporters.
A Member Should: