Courtroom Figures
During a trial you will find a judge, court reporter, clerk, and a bailiff in the courtroom. Other people that may be present include attorneys, court interpreters, witnesses, jurors, the plaintiff, and the defendant.
Judge:
Oversees the court hearing, ensuring that both sides have the opportunity to present their version of the facts. They decide on legal questions that arise and rule on cases that are not a part of a jury trial.
Court Reporter
Responsible for recording the proceedings.
Clerk:
maintains cases exhibits and records official case file information
Bailiff
supervises the jury and keeps calm in the courtroom
Court Interpreters: available upon request for limited English-speaking participants in a case; they should be requested when filing.
Jury Qualifications
All U.S. citizens who are at least 18 years old and residents of the community in which they are summoned to serve are eligible for jury service. A person qualified to be a juror is exempt from service only if the person has been found to be mentally incompetent or insane or is a convicted felon whose civil rights have not been restored. There are no automatic excuses or exemptions from jury service.
Prospective jurors may be called for service by a justice of the peace, a municipal court, or by the jury commissioner of the superior court. Once selected, a prospective juror can be called to court for 120 days, although in some courts the period is shorter (for example, one day–one trial).
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