Court room mystery!!!?

Question

Why do court rooms have stenographers who write what people say? Wouldn't it be more accurate if they just recorded what people said through a microphone?

And why do court rooms have artists who draw the scene? Wouldn't be more accurate to take photographs instead?

Answer 1

As to why the court reporters type what people say, there has to be a written record for everyone to refer back to.  Transcripts of court proceedings are routinely ordered when there's appeals, or when there's a discrepancy in what the attorneys or Judges remember.  Also in CA, the written transcript goes with each person when they are sentenced to prison.  If they recorded it with a tape recorder, someone would still have to listen to it and type it all anyways.  Regarding pictures, there's issues of privacy, and many Judges do not allow cameras in their courtrooms.  When cameras are not allowed, the artists draw what they see.