Secondary Players in Judicial System - Explained
Who are the lesser-known members of the judicial system?
Written by J. Mance Gordon
Updated at April 20th, 2024
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Who are some of the other players in the court system?
The court system can be large and complicated. To run properly, it requires a number of individuals to carry out specific functions. Some of the primary actors are as follows:
- Process Servers
- Clerks of Court
- Court Reporter
- Bailiff
- Paralegals & Law Clerks
- Staff Attorneys
- Prosecutors & Public Defendants
- Law Professors
- Law Journals
- Bar Associations
The above list of contributors to the court system is by-no-means exhaustive. Each is discussed below.
What is a Process Server?
Process servers deliver legal documents (serve process) to individuals being called into court. Some jurisdictions allow private parties to serve process for the court. Other jurisdictions require police authorities to serve process.
What does a Clerk of Court do?
Clerks of court run the office that manages all publicly filed court documents for that jurisdiction. All court documents are first filed with the Clerk of Court. The Clerk of Court may also manage the process for service of process.
What does a Court Reporter do?
The court reporter records and transcribes the official record of the court. This record is used in appellate review.
What does a Bailiff do?
The bailiff controls security in the courtroom and carries out the orders of the court. This includes executing contempt orders.
What do Paralegals and Law Clerks do?
Paralegals and law clerks carry out many of the administrative tasks that support the court and trial process. This includes conducting research for attorneys, companies, government bodies, judges, or justices.
What does a Government Staff Attorney do in the Court System?
Legislative and administrative bodies employ staff attorneys. These attorneys research issues and serve as the primary architects and scribes of laws proposed by the bodies they serve. For example, staff attorneys write the majority of the laws proposed by members of the legislative branch.
What do Prosecutors and Public Defenders do?
These are the government attorneys employed to represent the government in prosecuting alleged crimes and representing the defendants subjected to prosecution.
What do Law Professors do?
These legal scholars and practice experts train attorneys and act as contributors to the body of legal thought. Researching professors write about specific areas of law and provide analysis and insight for use by practitioners, legislators, and the court.
Why are Law Journals important?
Law journals review, edit, and publish works of original thought that add to the intellectual body of law. These published works serve as influential sources for use by practitioners, legislators, and the court.
What is a Legal Bar Association?
Bar associations are federal, state, and local groups of attorneys. These organizations can be very influential in shaping the development of law and the legal system through advisory votes and committee proposals.
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