Accountability Tool Box:
Accountability Tool Box:
Oklahoma Certified Court Reporters
Oklahoma Certified Court Reporters
Embedded Files
For The State of Oklahoma
HOW TO HOLD COURT REPORTERS ACCOUNTABLE
HOW TO HOLD COURT REPORTERS ACCOUNTABLE
Below are steps you can take to act if you find yourself subjected to oppression and violations by Oklahoma Certified Court Reporters. Court Reporters are typically employees of the district courts, and their conduct is overseen by the CSR Board [State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters].
*REMEMBER KIDS*: "If it is not DOCUMENTED, it did not happen!"
*REMEMBER KIDS*: "If it is not DOCUMENTED, it did not happen!"
Document & Gathering Evidence:
Document & Gathering Evidence:
Document EVERYTHING!
Document EVERYTHING!
Most misconduct committed by Court Reporters occurs either in the court room, or within their personal office space, thus recording them is often not feasible or lawful.
DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT!
DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT!
As soon as possible after EVERY CONTACT, write down YOUR EXPERIENCE about the event!
Include: date, time, location, officer’s name & badge number [if known - if unknown a description], and any witness statements [including names & contact info].
It is also useful to create a timeline of events leading up to, and following, the incident. You can add to this document over time as more facts present.
ADDITIONAL TIP:
ADDITIONAL TIP:
Purchase a bound notebook [one you cannot remove pages from]. This will be your "Log Book". Log EVERYTHING. Calls, emails, communications... Who you spoke to, when, agency, etc. Make note of what you were told, by who [name & title], and when [date & time], as you navigate the accountability process.
ALWAYS assume a judge or jury may view your log book at a later time.
Gather Evidence
Gather Evidence
Request copies of court documents relevant to your complaint.
Review the CSR Rule 2. Grounds for Discipline to see if your complaint qualifies for the board to take disciplinary action against the court reporter.
Contact witnesses and request them to provide you with an "Affidavit of Fact" [see also: What is an Affidavit]
Start Filing Complaints.
File Grievances & Complaints:
File Grievances & Complaints:
File a Complaint with the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters
File a Complaint with the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters
To file a Complaint against an Oklahoma Certified Court Reporter, you should utilizes the board's official complaint form and submit a written complaint form, either by mail or email, detailing the alleged misconduct.
Mailing address:
CSR Board – Complaints,
2100 N. Lincoln Blvd., Ste. 3,
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings of the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters
Rules Governing Disciplinary Proceedings of the State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters
CSR-Rules_CH20-APP2_Eff_Jan_2010.pdfState of Oklahoma The State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters COMPLAINT FORM
State of Oklahoma The State Board of Examiners of Certified Shorthand Reporters COMPLAINT FORM
Court-Reporter-complaint-form.pdfSeek Legal Remedies:
Seek Legal Remedies:
Reach Out to Civil Rights Organizations
Reach Out to Civil Rights Organizations
Groups like the ACLU of Oklahoma or NAACP Legal Defense Fund may provide legal assistance or advocate on your behalf.
File a Writ of Mandamus/Prohibition with The Supreme Court of Oklahoma
File a Writ of Mandamus/Prohibition with The Supreme Court of Oklahoma
A writ of mandamus [forces action] and a writ of prohibition [prevents action] are types of extraordinary court orders, typically issued by a higher court to a lower court or public official. They’re used when no other legal remedy is adequate.
Writ of Mandamus "Do your job."
Writ of Mandamus "Do your job."
Purpose: To compel a government official, public agency, or lower court to perform a duty they are legally required to do.
Example: If a trial court refuses to rule on a motion it is legally obligated to decide, a higher court might issue a writ of mandamus to force the court to make that decision.
Writ of Prohibition "Stop doing that—you’re overstepping."
Writ of Prohibition "Stop doing that—you’re overstepping."
Purpose: To stop a lower court or public authority from acting beyond its legal power.
Example: If a lower court is about to hold a trial on a matter outside its jurisdiction, a higher court can issue a writ of prohibition to prevent it from proceeding.
File a Civil Suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for civil rights violations.
File a Civil Suit under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for civil rights violations.
You can sue the employee, elected official, Municipality/County, and State of Oklahoma under 42 U.S.C. § 1983 for civil rights violations.
We strongly suggest consult a civil rights attorney to file a case of this nature on your behalf.
Court Clerks are likely afforded some immunities from suit, it is beneficial to familiarize yourself with qualified immunity and other defenses.
Notify the Media:
Notify the Media:
If the case involves serious misconduct, local or national media coverage can apply public pressure for accountability.
*IMPORTANT NOTE* If the misconduct resulted in, or is related to any criminal charges against you, it is wise to consult your defense attorney BEFORE making any statements to any media outlet or journalists.
Engage Your Elected Officials:
Engage Your Elected Officials:
Contact your state representatives, senators, County Commissioners, and city council members to push for policy changes and investigations.
This is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. We encourage ALL victims of oppression to seek detailed advice from an attorney experience in civil rights litigation.
*Disclaimer* Any and all applications and/or use of the educational materials provided within the page and/or website here in provides Citizens Overseeing with implied consent and agreement from the user [website visitor] that user understands that all content herein related to any and all legal procedures, guides, processes, and/or case law references are for EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY and nothing within the content of this page and/or website is to be construed as legal advice of any kind. User agrees and understands that ANY utilization, use, and /or application of these educational materials and concepts are AT YOUR OWN RISK and indemnifies Citizens Overseeing from any and all liabilities. related to such.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse