Chris
CJA/484
June 17, 2013
Courtroom Standards Analysis
Courtroom Personnel
There are a number of individuals who make up the courtroom personnel. Each individual whether it be the judge, bailiff, court reporter, courtroom clerk, prosecutor, defense counsel, jury, defendant, or witness contribute to the shaping of legal law. The judge who presides over the trial has the ultimate authority in the courtroom. “The judge must see that the trail is conducted in an orderly manner according to prescribed rules and laws covering the selection of the jury, the presentation of evidence, the arguments of the lawyers, the instructions to the jury, and the rending of the verdict” (Arizona Judicial Branch, 2013, para. 1). Although the judge has the ultimate authority in the courtroom the bailiff is tasked with keeping order during trial or hearings. The bailiff announces entry of the judge, supervises the jury, and calls witnesses (National Institute of Justice, 2008). The court reporter is tasked with recording all elements of the trial in short hand, including instructions to the court, testimony, and rulings. The courtroom clerk “is an officer of the court and documents what happens in a case, orders made by the court during the trial, and the verdict at the end of the trial” (Arizona Judicial Branch, 2013, para. 2). The clerk is also responsible for admitting exhibits and evidence throughout the trial. While the judge, bailiff, court reporter, and courtroom clerk ensure proper procedure through the trial, the prosecutor, defense counsel, defendant, and witnesses present the case for a verdict to be decided.
The prosecutor and plaintiff are the individuals who present a case against the defendant or accused. They must present evidence, witnesses, and testimony to the jury to prove guilt or innocence. While the prosecutor and plaintiff are against the defendant the defense counsel is representation appointed for or by the defendant
References: Arizona Judicial Branch. (2013). Jury Service Courtroom Personnel. Retrieved from http://www.azcourts.gov/juryduty/courtroompersonnel.aspx National Institute of Justice. (2008). Courtroom Personnel. Retrieved from http://www.njj.gov/training/firearms-training/module14/fir_m14_t08_02.htm G. Larry Mays,. (n.d). American courts and the judicial process . Retrieved from http://www.oup.com/us/companion.websites/9780199738854/student/chapter3