Chapter 9: Clerk's Office
Functions/Activities
A Clerk's Office receives files, documents, and filing fees from attorneys; maintains
case dockets and court calendars; distributes court directives including notices,
subpoenas, and summonses; responds to public inquiries; and serves as a central
source of public information for the court. In addition, each Clerk's Office performs
specialized functions required by the particular court it serves. For example, the
USDC Clerk's Office assists with jury management.
The level and type of activity at the public counter varies greatly with the type of
court served. For the USCA Clerk's Office, which may also provide public reception
services for the staff attorney's office, most business is conducted by mail. Public
traffic volume is generally low, except on hearing days, when attorney traffic can be
relatively high. The USDC Clerk's Office generally experiences peaks of public traffic
at the counter in the early morning and afternoon, with a constant but moderate stream
of traffic throughout the remainder of the day. A large Clerk's Office can establish
specialized "windows" to accommodate various activities, especially during rush
periods. The USBC Clerk's Office is constantly busy, with multiple counter stations
open. Separate spaces for the public to view documents and coin-operated copy
machines are also provided.
User Capacity
U.S. Court of Appeals Clerk's Office
User capacity varies depending upon the number of USCA Clerk's Office staff;
USCA judges and support staff; other USCA staff (i.e., staff attorneys); private and
government attorneys; legal messenger services; news media representatives; and the
general public.
U.S. District Court Clerk's Office
User capacity varies depending upon the number of USDC Clerk's Office staff;
12/19/97
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