What Clerks of the Court do across the Nation

Typically, most courts have a position for a clerk of the court that is usually filled by a paralegall, though in some jurisdictions, this position can only be held by attorneys. The duties and responsibilities required from clerks of the court across the nation can be grasped from this general state-wise sampling given below.

Alabama: The chief clerk of the probate court administers oaths, receives documents and proofs of instruments of certification, and where there is no contest, the chief clerk exercises the authority of a probate judge.


Arkansas: The clerk of the county court is an elected position. The clerk needs to attend each session of the court and keep accurate record of its proceedings. The clerk of the county court is also responsible to maintain a regular account of the county treasury and papers dealing with settlements of accounts of the county.

California: The clerk of the municipal court has the authority to appoint deputies and maintains the minutes and other records of the courts.

Colorado: Clerks of the county court in Colorado maintain both financial and judicial records.

Delaware: The clerks of the court of common pleas keep records of the court proceedings. The clerk is also in charge of receiving and paying all fees, costs, and fines. The clerk of the court of common pleas also administers oaths and issues commitments and executions. This is not an elected position, and the clerk of the court of common pleas is appointed by judges.

In Delaware clerks of the family court are appointed by the chief judge and have the authority to issue summonses and warrants.

Maryland: The chief judge appoints the chief administrative clerk of the district court. The chief administrative clerk is responsible for the maintenance and operation of clerical staff and supervision of dockets, records and other papers.

Texas: In Texas, the position of the clerk of the county court is filled through election. The duties of the clerk of the county court includes administering oaths, taking depositions, issuing marriage licenses, and acting as the keeper of court and country records. The clerk of the county court also has the authority to appoint deputies.

Hawaii: The position of the land court registrar can be filled by a paralegall and he/she attends all sessions of court, keeps dockets, and seals all papers and processes. The land court registrar keeps custody of documents, administers oaths and receives fees. Maine and Massachusetts also requires similar duties from the registrar of probate in those states.