The Courts CJ 1

courtroom work group

The social organization consisting of the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney, and other court workers.

judge

The dominant figure in the courtroom who presides over court proceedings and is held to the highest standards of impartiality.

magistrate

A public civil officer or official with limited judicial authority within a particular area, such as the authority to issue an arrest warrant.

docket

The list of cases entered on a court's calendar and scheduled to be heard by the court.

prosecutor

Trial lawyers who initiate and conduct cases in the government's name and on behalf of the people.

defense attorney

The lawyer who represents the defendant in a case; public defenders are court-appointed defense attorneys paid by the state.

bailiff

Court worker, often a member of the local sheriff's department, responsible for maintaining security and order in the courtroom.

court clerk

Court worker responsible for the paperwork generated by a court case, including matters to be acted on by the judge and evidence and records.

court reporter

Court worker who records everything that is said in pretrial depositions and during trials.

adversary system

Legal system in which the prosecution and defense are opponents, striving to 'defeat' each other in court.