As Massachusetts courts become equipped with digital recording equipment, some court reporters and attorneys are demanding the state keep transcribers on the job, or at least allow them to be hired in certain cases.

The high-quality digital recording systems mean that writing down who said what no longer has to happen in real time. Forty court reporters may no longer be necessary.

Martin Healy, who is with the state Bar Association, says they are needed, at least in felony cases like murder and rape.

“We think in those instances that it would be best to have a belt-and-suspenders approach,” Healy says. “Not only have the recording equipment available but also have a stenographer present in these instances because there are high stakes here. If there’s a glitch in the recording equipment for any reason, you might have a retrial.”

The state is currently negotiating with the court reporters union. Sixteen positions are being created to run the new recording systems.