Legal Definitions - court crier

A court crier is an officer of the court responsible for making official announcements, maintaining order, and assisting the judge with various procedural duties during court sessions. Their role often involves formally opening and closing court proceedings, administering oaths to witnesses and jurors, and ensuring decorum within the courtroom.

Here are some examples to illustrate the role of a court crier:

• Imagine a busy courthouse where a new trial is about to begin. As the judge prepares to enter the courtroom, the court crier stands and loudly proclaims, "All rise! The Superior Court of [County Name] is now in session, the Honorable Judge [Judge's Name] presiding." This action formally opens the court proceedings and signals to everyone present that the judge is about to take the bench.

  This example illustrates the court crier's primary role in making official announcements and establishing the formal start of a court session, ensuring order and respect for the court's authority.

• During a criminal trial, a key witness is called to testify. Before the witness can speak, the court crier instructs them to raise their right hand and then recites, "Do you solemnly swear or affirm that the testimony you are about to give shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" The witness then responds, "I do."

  This demonstrates the court crier's duty to administer oaths, a crucial procedural step that legally binds witnesses to tell the truth, thereby upholding the integrity of the testimony and the judicial process.

• After a long day of arguments, the judge decides to adjourn the court until the following morning. The court crier then announces, "All rise! This court stands adjourned until 9:00 AM tomorrow morning." This clear announcement informs all parties and spectators of the court's schedule and signals the formal end of the day's proceedings.

  This example highlights the court crier's function in communicating important procedural developments, such as recesses or adjournments, ensuring that everyone in the courtroom is aware of the court's schedule and maintains proper decorum.