The comings and goings of a busy courthouse may leave visitors asking, “What does a court clerk do?” Since court clerks see to the smooth running of the court, from preparing documents to coordinating schedules, it’s perhaps easier to ask what it is a court clerk doesn’t do.
As pressures on the court system have increased over recent years, the role of clerks has become even more complex and crucial. It’s no exaggeration to say that without the technological savvy and meticulous organization of the clerks, the court system wouldn’t function.
The Pillars of Court Administration: Essential Functions of Court Clerks
Many who look into how to become a court clerk are surprised at the diverse array of knowledge and skills the role encompasses. However, court clerks have a significant presence on the legal scene and, in many ways, are the backbone of the judicial system.
In the United States in 2022, there were approximately 24,247 court clerks undertaking a variety of essential administrative tasks for the courts. Today, the number has increased quite significantly, with many making use of modern technology.
Managing and Organizing the Court Records
If asked, “What does a clerk do?”, the most likely answer is that a clerk keeps the court records. This is true, although it’s a role that cannot be understated. Keeping accurate records is a vital task that goes beyond simple filing. It preserves the many types of documents that pertain to the motions, orders, and judgments made by the court so that they are always accessible.
Coordinating Court Schedules and Proceedings
Clerks are fundamental to the efficient operation of the court. They oversee its calendar, scheduling hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings into its working hours and notifying the parties involved. It’s a complicated task that requires high levels of organization and attention to detail to avoid scheduling conflicts with their implications on legal proceedings.
Liaisons Between the Court and the Public
As well as being expert organizers, court clerks also need to be good communicators. Their role includes acting as a liaison between the public and the court. They explain procedures and help the attorneys, litigants, and the public with form-filling and document filing.
Court clerks guide the public through court procedures and often they are the first point of contact for visitors. They are the human face of the court and demystify its processes. It’s the reason why good communication skills feature so highly on the list of court clerk requirements.
Custodians of Court Finances
Court clerks also manage the court’s finances. The role includes collecting and processing fines, fees, and bail payments, keeping accurate records, and preparing financial reports.
Administrators of Oaths and Affirmations
When people consider a question like “What does a court clerk do?”, they don’t always realize that court clerks have real legal authority and can perform legal duties. They might swear in witnesses ready to testify or stand as witnesses to an oath or affirmation.
Their role ensures procedures around giving testimonies are followed correctly and underscores the high regard the court system has for their integrity.
Facilitators of Jury Management
Not all jurisdictions hold jury trials, but where they do, the court clerk oversees its management. Not only do they make sure the jury is well-orientated and properly cared for, they assist with jury selection.
Because clerks have a role in maintaining the fairness and impartiality of jury trials, they undertake rigorous training. It includes ongoing professional development either in a specialism or to keep up to date with changes in the law or court procedures.
These days, anyone considering how to become a clerk of the court will need to be computer literate. During training, they must demonstrate growing competency with the range of IT tools that facilitate the court’s efficiency. This includes suites like TimeSolv.