L.A. County's top judge clears way for electronic recording in courts, despite state law

"Where such fundamental rights and liberty interests are at stake, the denial of [electronic recording] to litigants who cannot reasonably secure a [court reporter] violates the constitutions of the United States and the State of California," Jessner wrote in her order.

Cindy Tachell, a working L.A. County court reporter and president of the Los Angeles County Court Reporters Assn., expressed that the order was a surprise to her organization - and will be reviewed closely before deciding on next steps or legal options.

Shanna Gray, vice president of the association, asserted that state lawmakers have already rejected proposed legislation for similar changes, suggesting that L.A. County officials were acting "in defiance of the legislature's will."

Read at Los Angeles Times