I corresponded with a newspaper reporter who recently wrote about the hardships state courts are facing and their inability to dispense justice because of budget cuts.  The article didn't mention court reporters, so I clued him in on that aspect of it.  I compared the cutting-edge technology ER boasts of with what reporters can do writing realtime on their amazing CAT programs.
He was kind enough to write back.  Part of what he said follows:  "The most cutting-edge equipment out there is still the stuff between our ears, and that's why court reporters are so important." 
Such a succinct summation.
Joyce Davis