What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bailiff position at Outagamie County?
The bailiff serves as an officer and representative of the court, acting as an essential link between the court, jurors, and the public. In this role, the bailiff is the court official who maintains direct, personal contact with attorneys, litigants, jurors, and community members.
- This position is non-benefit eligible and is not Full Time
- Report for service as assigned. Prepare jury room and generally see to the jury's comfort and directives of the Judge during trial. Work with the Judge and Judicial Assistant on any special needs for trial.
- Assemble needed chairs for the jury panel in the courtroom and jury room. Assist with check in for all jurors reporting for jury duty. Help distribute certificates of attendance/work slip forms for jurors if needed.
- As applicable, handout parking vouchers for parking ramps, as needed in the morning and following the lunch break.
- Notify the judge and judicial staff when all jurors are present. Do the same following lunch breaks.
- Assist with keeping the jury room stocked with beverages and snacks when in trial. Responsible for taking lunch/dinner orders, coordinating delivery of the items and assist with any set up/clean up as needed.
- Do not express your opinion about the case to witnesses, jurors, media, etc., while the trial is in progress. Do not talk to parties, witnesses, or attorneys in the presence of the jury unless required by your duties. Do not discuss the case with persons, jurors, media, etc., while the trial
- Keep all witnesses, parties, and attorneys away from the jurors outside the courtroom.
- Be courteous to jurors, witnesses, attorneys and the public.
- During trial, the Bailiff shall assist in overseeing those that enter the courtroom. Cellphones shall be silenced, no video or audio recording is permitted and children shall be supervised by an adult and quiet while in the courtroom. If there is excessive noise in the hall, quietly exit and remedy the situation.
- Secure the jury room at the end of the day by inspecting it to ensure that no court documents/exhibits or juror personal property have been left behind. Juror's notes shall be collected and put away at the end of each day in a designated and secured area and not left in the open. Notes shall be properly provided to the assigned Judicial Assistant upon conclusion of the trial
- Bailiffs may also be required to oversee regular court proceedings and determine what parties shall be allowed into the courtroom during closed hearings. Bailiffs may be responsible for assembling attorneys and parties to ensure an efficient flow of court cases in the courtroom. Bailiffs may also assist with general courtroom clean up.
- Bailiffs should report for jury duty in proper attire. Both in and out of court his/her demeanor should reflect credit upon their office and the court. They should be informative, courteous, and cooperative at all times. Bailiffs shall not give legal advice, an opinion or discuss the case pending before the court.
- The bailiff must maintain a neutral attitude toward all parties. Be extremely careful to avoid voicing opinions in the presence of or within hearing distance of jurors or witnesses. This could jeopardize or influence the outcome of the case.
- Applicant must be 18 years old or older.
- Must have a valid drivers license
- This position carries requires applicant to be able to maintain strict confidentiality due to nature of the work.
- The position requires a self-motivated person with a professional attitude and the ability to work collaboratively with court staff.
- The position must have the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with members of the legal community, co-workers and the public.