Now that many (if not most) trial courts no longer provide a court reporter, it's gotten tougher to prepare and transmit the record to the Court of Appeal -- something that's a prerequisite to success on appeal. You can't just simply order the transcript, like you used to be able to do. You either have to provide a court reporter of your own (in advance) or agree upon a settled statement.
Justice Zelon's opinion today gives a primer on how to go through the process of getting a settled statement. It's spot on, incredibly concise (seven pages), and incredibly useful.
You should read it. (Or, at a minimum, read it the next time you decide to appeal and need to prepare a settled statement.)
Super helpful opinion.
