Court clerks record and process legal records, documents, and forms used in a court of law.
Court clerks keep records and papers that are used in court. Thus clerks spend many hours filing these documents. Each document is entered on a list, assigned a number, and indexed in the names of all participants. In addition, the documents filed in each case are copied into special record books. Court clerks also file public records, such as mortgages, deeds, and marriage licenses.
Another duty of court clerks is preparing the court calendar. This involves scheduling when each case will be heard. Clerks then send the participants a letter that states when and where the trial will be held. Later, the court clerk examines the files for each case. They make sure that all related records and documents are in the file. If documents are missing, clerks request copies. On the day of the trial or hearing, clerks prepare any forms that might be used by the judge.
Clerks also print out informational sheets for each hearing. These sheets contain the case number and the names of plaintiffs, defendants, and attorneys. Clerks proofread the printouts to find errors or missing information. They distribute the completed sheets to the judge and other court personnel. If the judge has questions about the file, the clerk answers them.
After the trial or hearing, court clerks record the rulings and decisions on several forms. Then they process the forms. This may involve collecting payments, fines, and court costs. Clerks generally use computers to keep track of all the payments.
In many cities, court clerks also monitor the jury selection process. Clerks keep track of which jury members appeared for duty and which were chosen for the jury. They also may be in charge of the paperwork for paying jury member.