Court reporter sues judge over sexual discrimination
A former court reporter in Butler County, Ohio has filed a complaint against Judge Michael Sage with the United States Equal Opportunity Commission. According to the Journal-News, Jennifer Olivier claimed that after her and Judge Sage's nine-year affair, she began being sexually discriminated by the judge.
"Beginning on December 17, 2011 I was subjected to quid pro quo harassment, a hostile work environment and retaliation because of my sex," Olivier stated in her complaint, as reported by the source. "My pay was reduced, my office was moved, I was left out of office meetings and treated differently by managers and co-workers."
Olivier stated that Sage pursued a personal relation with her beginning in 2003. Scott Warwick, an attorney hired by the county, concluded that Oliver was the creator of the work environment.
This lawsuit comes in the midst of whether the Butler County court system will also keep its court reporter program. Oliver, and three other court reporters, lost their jobs when the system decided to initiate cuts from the program.
The pending complaint was actually influential enough to sway a few board members to vote to keep the system. In addition, some felt that new audio recording software are not accurate enough and do not offer the quick turnaround that realtime court reporters can with transcripts.
It's clear that this lawsuit may involve hours of personal testimonies and depositions, by partnering with Wisconsin court reporters, lawyers can ensure that they acquire the most accurate deposition transcripts. Furthermore, these professionals can provide video deposition services, which can allow clients to meet despite holiday travels or other logistical issues.
