At the 2026 Alabama Judges’ Conference, members of the Alabama Court Reporters Association (ACRA) staffed a busy vendor table and distributed materials and stickers reading “No AI in my courtroom; Human Court Reporters only,” making a clear stand against the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the state’s trial courts and the potential elimination of official court reporter positions across the judicial system. Their message resonated strongly: Many circuit judges walked the halls proudly wearing the stickers, signaling firm opposition to replacing trained stenographic professionals with automated systems.
ACRA’s mobilization was sparked by the Supreme Court of Alabama’s June 30, 2026 Order SC-ADM-ORD-0015. The order established a Pilot Project for Enhancing Audio Recording and Transcription Technology in Alabama’s Trial Courts, and it was followed by Administrative Director of Courts Nathan Wilson’s July 10, 2026 email to Circuit and District Judges as well as Clerks explaining the project’s aim to address reporter shortages while assuring it was “not intended to eliminate or replace any current official court reporter.”
Among the most visible supporters was Judge Butch Binford, who wore the Association’s “No AI in my courtroom” sticker throughout the event, underscoring the broad backing ACRA has earned from the bench. These judges recognize that while the pilot project seeks to fill temporary gaps, any long-term shift toward digital or AI-driven methods risks undermining judicial integrity, increasing unanticipated costs, and threatening the local jobs that support Alabama communities.
Court reporters fully acknowledge that AI can serve as a valuable supplemental tool, yet they emphasize it cannot replace the judgment, accountability, critical thinking, and real-time human oversight that an NCRA-trained stenographic court reporter brings to capturing the official record.
As officers of the court and public servants, these certified professionals remain essential to preserving accurate, reliable transcripts and safeguarding the fair administration of justice.
Karen Strickland is the president of the Alabama Court Reporters Association. She can be reached at karenstricklandccr@gmail.com.
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