Court Clerks
Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities of the Court Clerk are to record, file, and maintain the proceedings of the District Court and to maintain books such as trial dockets, case files, and journals useful for locating past court proceedings. The Court Clerk keeps summaries of court actions in an appearance docket; maintains case files; collects court fees, fines, costs, assessments, and forfeitures; and distributes or expends collected monies.
The Court Clerk issues legal warrants including subpoenas, orders, processes, and writes as allowed by statute. The Court Clerk is also responsible for issuing marriage licenses and beer, pool hall, and other county licenses. Some Court Clerks issue passports.
The Court Clerk keeps records of all jurors and witnesses in the District Court. If required, the Court Clerk acts as custodian of the County Law Library. The Court Clerk works with the County Sheriff’s office in delivering process warrants.
The Court Clerk is authorized to administer oaths such as oaths from County Commissioners in condemnation cases and from applicants for passports.
The Court Clerk must also make regular reports and provide statistical and other information to the Board of County Commissioners, to the Administrative Office of the Courts, and to the various entities for which the Court Clerk collects fees. Various monthly, quarterly, and annual reports are required.