Barbara Gayle, Staff Reporter

Court reporters at the Supreme Court are calling on officials from the Ministry of Justice to put plans in place for the erection of handrails on the steps that lead to their office on the third floor.

Some of the court reporters pointed out that they have to take their stenograph machines to court and without the handrails it is difficult to carry them to and from court. They pointed out that they have had many "near falls" going up and down the stairs.

The court reporters disclosed that for several years they have been asking for the erection of handrails because the steps, which are heavily polished, are very slippery.

"The first request for handrails was made more than five years ago when a court reporter fell down the stairs breaking her hand, but our request has been ignored," a court reporter said on Tuesday.

Overlooking their safety

The court reporters are responsible for taking verbatim notes of evidence in court. They noted that they play a very important role in the justice system, and therefore their safety should not be overlooked.

Last week workmen erected wooden handrails at the jury boxes at the Home Circuit Court.

This was in response to calls made by defence lawyers and prosecutors for handrails to be erected after two female jurors fell a day a part last month while leaving the jury box.

Lawyers who were in court said then that the safety of the jurors was of 'paramount importance', and the authorities should take immediate steps to erect handrails to prevent serious injury to jurors, who have to serve under adverse conditions.