Traditionalist Obiter was saddened to learn this week that court stenographers are to be the latest victim of advances in technology.

The Ministry of Justice has revealed that stenographers will be phased out in courts next year in favour of a new system known as ‘Darts’ (Digital Audio Recording Transcription and Storage).

Clearly the recording system will be cheaper than paying for the skill and expertise of those who manage to type up speech of up to 250 words per minute (though it is rumoured this top speed is only required in the courts of Swansea).

But Obiter wonders how the machines will cope when bossy barristers talk over the top of witnesses, distressed victims mumble between sobs, or witnesses speak with thick regional accents.

No doubt cost savings will be made, but Obiter fears the hidden tab may end up being paid by those seeking justice.