Individual Courts in the United States

Individual Courts and the Federal Courts

In the words of the Administrative Office of the United States Courts: The day-to-day responsibility for judicial administration rests with each individual court. Each court is given responsibility by statute and administrative practice to appoint support staff, supervise spending, and manage the court’s records. The chief judge of each court plays a key leadership role in overseeing and coordinating the efficient operations of the court. Although the chief judge is generally responsible for overseeing day-to-day court administration, important policy decisions are made by the judges of the court working together. The clerk of court is the executive hired by the judges of the court to carry out the court’s administrative functions. The clerk manages the court’s non-judicial functions in accordance with policies set by the court, and reports directly to the court through its chief judge.

Among the clerk’s many functions are:

• Maintaining the records and dockets of the court
• Managing the court’s information technology systems
• Paying all fees, fines, costs, and other monies collected into the U.S. Treasury
• Administering the court’s jury system
• Providing interpreters and court reporters
• Sending official court notices and summons
• Providing courtroom support services

Creation of Courts