The court reporter is tasked with recording all elements of the trial in short hand, including instructions to the court, testimony, and rulings. The courtroom clerk ” is an officer of the court and documents hat happens in a case, orders made by the court during the trial, and the verdict at the end of the trial” (Arizona Judicial Branch, 2013, Para. 2). The clerk is also responsible for admitting exhibits and evidence throughout the trial.
While the judge, bailiff, court reporter, and courtroom clerk ensure proper procedure through the trial, the prosecutor, defense counsel, defendant, and witnesses present the case for a verdict to be decided. The prosecutor and plaintiff are the individuals who present a case against the defendant or accused. They must present evidence, witnesses, and testimony to the Jury to prove guilt or innocence. While the prosecutor and plaintiff are against the defendant the defense counsel is representation appointed for or by the defendant to prove innocence or obtain a fair sentence.
The witnesses in a trial are there willingly or through a subpoena to present testimony for or against the defendant. Even though there are a number of individuals in the working of the a trial and presentation of evidence it falls on Jury to decide the final verdict of guilt or Innocence of the defendant. The seven characteristics that define the courtroom work group are that they exhibit authority relationships; display Influence legislations; are held together by common goals; have specialized roles; use a variety of work techniques; engage In a variety of tasks; and have different degrees of stability and familiarity.
The core members of the courtroom work group, which Include judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, participate In courtroom processes with great frequency. (G. Larry Mays (n. D). They share common demographic characteristics, professional backgrounds, and a common perspective on court operations. Regular members, who include law enforcement personnel. Less participation than core group members. Occasional participants, who include jurors, crime victims, and litigants, participate in the court process on an infrequent or one-time basis.
This group has very diverse training, values, and orientations. (G. Larry Mays (n. D), Para. 2). The courtroom work group has different authority relationships. Judges are the supreme rulers of the court, as is reflected in their dress, the courtroom design, and the way they are addressed. However, the Judge’s authority is limited by the prosecutor’s discretion, budgetary control, Jurisdiction, sentencing guidelines, and appeals. All work group members influence and are influenced by the other members, and members have different bases of power and areas of knowledge.
Judges have formal authority and may direct actions of the court and the attorneys. Prosecutors have superior case knowledge and have discretion about what matters will go to trial. Defense attorneys are able to interview witnesses, obtain evidence through discovery, and file pretrial motions. The four common goals of the members are doing Justice; maintaining group cohesion; disposing of the case load; and reducing uncertainty. Their different bases of knowledge give group members various types of power and influence.
