Who are the professional members of the courtroom work group, and what are their roles?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

• Professional courtroom personnel, including the judge (an elected or appointed public official who holds ultimate authority in the courtroom; the judge ensures justice and safeguards the rights of the accused, the victim, and the public), the prosecuting attorney (the primary representative of the people, an attorney responsible for presenting the state's case against the defendant), the defense counsel (an attorney trained in the practice of criminal law whose task it is to represent the accused at trial, to present evidence in the defendant's favor, to cross-examine prosecution witnesses, and to ensure that the defendant's civil rights are not violated); the bailiff (an officer of the court whose duty it is to ensure an orderly courtroom and to provide security); the trial court administrator (facilitates the smooth functioning of courts in particular judicial districts or areas); the court reporter (a courtroom worker charged with keeping an accurate record of all that occurs during trial); the clerk of court (a courthouse employee who maintains all records of criminal cases, including motions made before, during, and after trial, and also prepares a jury pool, issues jury summonses, subpoenas witnesses, and supports the work of the court in other ways); and expert witnesses (who have special skills or knowledge recognized by the court, and who may express opinions and draw conclusions within their area of expertise during testimony).