Court Clerk

Court clerks execute duties for a court of law including the processing legal records.

Court clerks create a schedule of cases to be heard in court. Clerks send the participants information with the details of the trial. Clerks are also responsible for the preparation of post, file, and route documents and case folders. Clerks proof read legal documents submitted to the court to ensure the procedures followed were accurate. Incorrect documents require clerks to clarify the proper procedures or forms to those who submitted them.

Clerks verify case folders prior to each case being heard. They ensure that associated records and documents in the case folder. Clerks demand copies of any missing documents. Court clerks also retrieve information for judges. They collect information concerning the case from attorneys, witnesses, and other individuals connected to the case. They provide the district attorney's office with information regarding cases they prosecute. Forms needed by the judge are prepared by the clerk on the day of the hearing or trial.

While the court is in session, court clerks must administer oaths to witnesses. They use a stenotype machine or shorthand to take minutes of the trial. They record the testimony, using a computer, after court closes. The case results, court orders, and mandated fees are also recorded by the clerk. They are responsible for gathering and recording court fees or fines.

The filing of public records, including mortgages, deeds, and marriage licenses, is completed by court clerks.