Judicial clerks perform many office functions as well as court duties. In general, they:
- Review and file pleadings, petitions and other documents relevant to court actions
- Contact witnesses, lawyers and litigants (parties to a lawsuit) to obtain information for the court
- Search files to answer inquiries and to obtain information for the court
- Answer inquiries from the general public regarding judicial procedures, court appearances, trial dates, adjournments, outstanding warrants, summonses, subpoenas, witness fees and payment of fines
- Enter court results in computer systems
- Assess court fees according to an established schedule and keep financial records
Judicial clerks usually are assigned to a particular court, such as Court of King's Bench or Provincial Court, or to a particular courtroom. Some judicial clerks travel with the circuit court to a variety of locations throughout Alberta where court is held. Depending on the type of court, the number of cases scheduled each day may range from one to several hundred.
Judicial clerks have a variety of duties before, during and after court proceedings. Specific duties vary depending on the type of court. In general, judicial clerks must perform the following activities prior to court:
- Prepare and review files
- Ensure all the proper documents have been submitted
- Retrieve from storage all applicable exhibits (evidence)
- Prepare the courtroom with paper, pens, water, easels (if necessary) and electronic equipment
- Ensure recording equipment is working
Judicial clerks are present at all court proceedings. They:
- Open court and call the court to order
- Read the charges and related information to the court and, if necessary, record the defendant’s plea
- Amend indictments when necessary and endorse indictments with pertinent information
- Swear in jury members, interpreters, witnesses and accused
- Record final dispositions
- Conduct roll calls and poll jurors
- Ensure the security of exhibits (for example, money, drugs, negotiable bonds, weapons)
- Accurately record proceedings by using recording equipment
After court is adjourned for the day, judicial clerks:
- Prepare documents that record the outcome of proceedings
- Secure exhibits and the courtroom
- Prepare and issue orders of the court including probation orders, release documentation, sentencing information and summonses
- Enter proceeding results
Depending on the size of the community, judicial clerks may perform all of the above duties or work in cooperation with other judicial clerks. In rural communities, judicial clerks may be responsible for providing support for the circuit court. While on circuit, they are responsible for all areas and are required to exercise independent judgment, calling the base court for direction if required.
