Legal Definitions - crier

A crier refers to an individual who makes public announcements, often in a formal or official capacity. This term has two primary meanings:

• 1. A Court Officer: In a legal context, a crier is an officer of the court responsible for making formal public pronouncements as directed by the judge or court. Their duties often include opening and closing court sessions, calling witnesses, maintaining order, and making other official announcements.

  • Example 1: As the judge entered the courtroom, the crier stood and announced loudly, "All rise! The Court of [Jurisdiction] is now in session, the Honorable Judge [Judge's Name] presiding."

    Explanation: This illustrates the crier's role in making a formal public pronouncement to signal the commencement of court proceedings and command respect for the judicial authority.

  • Example 2: During a complex civil trial, the crier might be instructed to call out the names of potential jurors from a master list, directing them to approach the jury box for selection.

    Explanation: Here, the crier is performing the duty of communicating specific instructions and information to individuals involved in the court's operations, as required by the court to facilitate the trial process.

• 2. An Auctioneer: More broadly, a crier can also refer to an auctioneer, an individual who conducts public sales by calling out bids and declaring items sold.

  • Example: At a bustling estate sale, the crier stood before a crowd, rapidly calling out bids for an antique vase, "Going once, going twice... Sold for two hundred dollars to the lady in the blue hat!"

    Explanation: This demonstrates the crier in the role of an auctioneer, making public pronouncements (calling bids and declaring sales) to facilitate a transaction and finalize the sale of an item.