The Roles of Court Personnel in a Criminal Trial

Magistrate

Ensures that the rules of evidence and procedure are followed, can ask witnesses to clarify points, and decides on the sanctions n a criminal case and the remedies in a civil case. Magistrates are usually solicitors or barristers who have at least five years' experience.

Tipstaff

announces that the court is in session and administers oaths or affirmations to witnesses in the County and Supreme Court. The tipstaff must look after the jury. Escorts jury members into the courtroom and into the jury room, also dealing with any particular matters of the jury.

Barrister

is briefed by a solicitor and will appear in court on behalf of a client.

Prothonotary

is the chief clerical and administrative office in the Supreme Court.

Registrar

is the manager/administrator of the court. A registrar will assist people at a court counter.

Judicial register

must be qualified to practice law and can hear less complex matters in the Magistrates' Court, Federal Court and Family Court. Are not judges, but exercise more power than ordinary registrars.

Court reporter

records all the proceedings of the court and produces the official transcripts of court hearings.

Judge

role of judge is to conduct trials. Ensures rules of evidence and procedure are followed. The judge decides on the sanction if a person if found guilty. Usually addressed as 'Your Honour'. Referred to justices in the Supreme Court and the high Court.

Judge's associate

sits in front of the judge in the County Court and Supreme Court. Perform various administrative and court duties to assist the judge.

Solicitor or duty solicitor

the solicitor will give advice about the law and the person's rights under the law. if the matte goes to court, the solicitor will appear in court on behalf of the client.

Bench clerk

works in Magistrate's and Children's Court and announces the cases and calls people into the court.