Court Officer
Alternative Titles: Clerical Officer (Local Courts)
Court officers assist in the effective operation of courts.
Court officers may perform the following tasks:
| announce the beginning and end of court sessions |
| call on witnesses and administer the prescribed oath to jurors and witnesses |
| administer the jury roster, open hearing rooms and post court lists on notice boards |
| keep records of court processes served |
| enforce court decisions by executing court orders and serving legal orders and documents, such as summonses and subpoenas |
| maintain the orderly conduct of court and hearing rooms and adjacent areas |
| attend judges, or magistrates, escorting them from chambers to the courtroom |
| record and protect exhibits tendered in court and pass them during the hearing |
| maintain security, care and control of jury panels |
| liaise with the judiciary, police department and legal profession, and advise the public on legal procedures and practices |
| run the court registries and maintain the court files |
| open and close court and hearing room proceedings |
| organise furniture for court and hearing rooms |
| allocate rooms for use by legal practitioners |
| prepare audiovisual equipment for court and hearing rooms |
| escort prisoners to and from courtrooms |
| summon potential jurors to court. |
Court officers are required to liaise between the magistracy, legal practitioners and members of the public.
A court officer may specialise as a:
Bailiff who attends to the needs of the jury throughout a trial and swears in the jurors and witnesses during court proceedings. They may also serve writs, summonses and other court orders.
Clerk of Court (also known as a bench clerk) who manages the smooth operation of courts. They prepare documentation of court proceedings, actions and decisions, attend court sessions and assist judges and magistrates.
Court Registrar who coordinates the daily running of the courts. They prepare the daily court list, maintain court records and handle the accounting and distributing of money paid to the court.
Sheriff who is responsible for providing court security and support services, manages the jury system and serves the orders issued by courts and tribunals. They also undertake administrative tasks such as processing people appearing before the courts for trial or sentencing.
Personal Requirements:
| high level of maturity and responsibility |
| good character |
| able to communicate with a range of people |
| aptitude for clerical duties |
| feel comfortable in a legal environment |
From www.jobguide2002
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is authored and maintained by: john.kavanagh@sccmail.maricopa.edu
Last Modified on July 27, 2004
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