Who are the primary players in the judicial system?

The legal system has a number of diverse contributors. Each plays a unique role in a quite intricate system. The primary players discussed in this chapter include:

• Judges
• Jurors
• Private and Public Lawyers (and their staff)

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Who are the primary players in the judicial system?

The existence of the primary members of the judicial system is based upon an individual's Constitutional rights. The 6th and 7th Amendments grant an individual charged with a crime or subject to a civil penalty of $75 or more the right to trial by a jury of her peers. Articles I and III account for the authority to create a federal court system under the direction of judicial officers or judges. Due Process rights allow an individual the right to representation in a judicial proceeding. The distinct roles played by judges, jurors, and attorneys are discussed individually in separate sections. 

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 - 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 is a Clerk of Court ?

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 is a Court Reporter? 

The court reporter records and transcribes the official record of the court. This record is used in appellate review. 

What is a Bailiff?

 The bailiff controls security in the courtroom and carries out the orders of the court. This includes executing contempt orders. 

What are Paralegals & Law Clerks? 

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 are Staff Attorneys?

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 are Prosecutors & Public Defendants? 

These are the government attorneys employed to represent the government in prosecuting alleged crimes and representing the defendants subjected to prosecution. 

What are Law Professors?

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. Law Journals - 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 are Bar Associations?

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. The above list of contributors to the court system is by-no-means exhaustive.