On Friday, the Supreme Court of Ohio's Task Force on the Certification of Court Reporters issued a 54 page report with 17 recommendations for developing a process for certifying court reporters who record proceedings in Ohio courts. The Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice formed this Task Force in March of 2006 with the goal of establishing court standards for court reporters. The Task Force recommendations include the definition of a "court reporter," creation of a Commission on Court Reporters, certification requirements, a requirement that all applicants sit for a certification exam, continuing education requirements, and a proposal to create a Code of Ethics and Professionalism for certified court reporters. Click here for more information on the Task Force, including a roster of its members and meeting minutes. Although there is no requirement to record civil proceedings, Rule 11(A) of The Ohio Rules of Superintendence requires courts to provide a means of recording at the request of a party. In addition, ORC 2301.20 requires Common Pleas Courts to provide a court reporter at the request of a party or the party's attorney.