Recording systems okay in Va. courts

Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli says courts can install electronic recording systems, which could cut down on the need for court reporters.

Cuccinelli issued his opinion Aug. 2 at Del. Scott Surovell's request. Surovell introduced a bill last winter to authorize court clerks to record proceedings and to charge a fee for providing a copy of the recording, but the proposal died in committee.

The attorney general said current law allows clerks to do this "provided that the confidentiality of the recordings is maintained."

Surovell says hiring court reporters is expensive, and using recording technology would be more cost-efficient. He says recordings in federal courtrooms usually cost about $25, compared with hundreds for court reporters.

-- Associated Press