Bailiff

Location: Richland

Bailiffs are responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom and enforcing the orders of the Court.

A Bailiff's primary mission is to preserve and protect the integrity of the judicial process. Bailiff's are to attend upon the Court and the jury. The specific tasks, which a bailiff will perform, include, but are not limited to the following:

* Bailiffs will take charge of, and ensure the sanctity of, the jury process. This means that, in addition to escorting the jury to and from the jury room, they will not speak to jurors regarding any aspect of any case, nor will bailiffs allow anyone else to do so. This includes not allowing anyone to determine the process of deliberations by asking questions or listening at doors and walls.

Bailiffs are also required to keep the door and hallway near the jury room clear of people during deliberations. If anyone violates this directive, bailiffs will report it immediately to the presiding Judge or to the Clerk. If anyone refuses to cooperate in this matter, bailiffs have the deputies remove him or her from the premises, and report the matter to the presiding Judge.

* If the jury has a question - any question - during the course of the trial during deliberations, the bailiff will instruct the foreman to put it in writing. Bailiff's will then deliver this communication unread to the clerk in that courtroom. Any requests from the jury, whether for supplies, refreshments, telephone calls, etc. should be in writing and relayed to the Clerk for action.

Bailiffs do not act upon any request from the jury until instruction is received from either the presiding Judge or the Clerk. Once the jury reaches a verdict, Bailiffs notify the Clerk in the courtroom immediately. The Clerk will then notify all parties and the Judge.

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.