Directive #08-24 - Revised Judiciary Transcriber Manual (2024) and Code of Conduct for Certified Transcribers (Supersedes Directive #8-20)

The Supreme Court has approved revisions to the Judiciary Transcriber Manual (Manual) and the incorporated Code of Professional Conduct for Certified Transcribers. These revisions are intended (a) to reinforce the authority of the Transcriber Certification Board (Board) to suspend or revoke credentials in certain circumstances; and (b) to clarify professional expectations and standards for individuals who prepare court transcripts.

In 1992, the Supreme Court Committee on Court Reporting issued recommendations intended to establish consistent standards for the independent contractors who prepare transcripts from electronically recorded court proceedings. Consistent with the Committee's recommendation, the Supreme Court in 1993 approved the establishment of (a) a formal process for certifying individuals to prepare court transcripts and (b) a governing body to oversee the certification of transcribers and the regulation of transcript agencies. The Judiciary does not directly employ transcribers for court events or court-related matters. Rather, as in certain other areas, transcribers operate as independent contractors. The Appellate Division Office of Administrative Services (OAS) implements transcriber training and certification, and the Transcriber Certification Board provides oversight and regulation.

The attached revised Judiciary Transcriber Manual (2024 ), which is effective immediately, supersedes the version promulgated by Directive #8-20 (effective February 7, 2020). The changes reflected in this new version include the following:

1. a provision clarifying that applicants are subject to a criminal records check randomly ·or for cause (page 4 );
2. a recusal policy applicable to members of the Board (page 15);
3. clarification that a transcriber who is involved in disciplinary proceedings has the right to review all available evidence (page 19)
4. an appeal process incorporated into the Board's discipline procedure (pages 19 and 22);
5. a clause stating the respondent's duty to cooperate in any inquiry, investigation or hearing before the Board (pages 19 and 22);
6. examples of crimes and offenses constituting grounds for refusal to admit a person to an examination or suspension or revocation of certification (page 20);
7. a policy and procedure that provides for the immediate suspension of a transcriber's certification (page 21 ).

As noted, the Code of Professional Conduct for Certified Transcribers is incorporated as part of the Manual. The Code has been revised in the attached new version of the Manual by (a) requiring an ongoing duty to report litigation involvement (Canon 1 ), and (b) ensuring positive and respectful communications (Canon 4). All transcribers providing services to the Judiciary must abide by these standards.

The provisions of the Judiciary Transcriber Manual are intended to ensure that certified transcribers comport themselves in a manner consistent with the mission of the Judiciary and are accountable to the public we serve. Further information on the revised Manual and other resources for transcribers is available at https://www.njcourts.gov/courts/appellate#toc-resources-for-transcribers

Questions regarding this directive may be directed to Saul E. Hernandez, Appellate Division Deputy Clerk, at AppellAdminServ.mbx@njcourts.gov or at 609-815-2950 ext. 54 730.

Attachment (Revised Judiciary Transcriber Manual (2024))