Court clerks, also called courtroom clerks, sit in front of the judge.
They assist the judge in keeping the courtroom in proper order and running
efficiently.
The clerk makes sure that proper files are available in the courtroom.
They also record minutes, such as keeping track of the names of lawyers present.
This task is different than that of the court stenographer, who writes down
everything that is said in the courtroom.
Court clerks announce the entrance of the judge into the courtroom. They
can call court to order, swear in witnesses, mark and keep track of exhibits
and do whatever tasks are needed to keep the courtroom functioning well.
Some court clerks are also responsible for receiving and disbursing for
fines, fees and trust monies. Others help the public retrieve information
in the court office and update court files.
Other types of clerks at the courthouse work in filing, the registry, accounting,
finance and administration.
Every court needs a courtroom clerk. This list of courts includes county,
state and federal courts. These people are employees of the government.
Court clerks work regular hours. "It's 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and a 40-hour
workweek," says Jackie Meisenheimer. She is a court clerk in South Dakota.
Court clerks need to be good typists and have some computer skills. It
isn't a physically demanding job.
"A physically challenged person could do a lot of this work," says Meisenheimer.
"There is nothing that would prohibit them, and the workplace could accommodate
them."