Court officer
Help to ensure the work of the law courts in Scotland is conducted in an orderly and efficient manner.
Also known as: macer
About the job
What it's like
You would prepare the courtroom before a case, escort the Sheriff or Justice to and from the court, and help them with their requirements.
You’d work closely with the clerk of court, police officers and security officers to ensure the work of the court is conducted in an orderly and efficient manner.
You’d be responsible for items, like evidence, that will be produced in court and collect witnesses from the witness rooms and bring them into court.
You would:
Answer phone calls, and assist people visting the court building
Check in witnesses for court cases and direct them to the right places
Do general duties in the courtroom, like calling witnesses, handling items of evidence that are produced in court, escorting the Sheriff to and from court, keeping witnesses and jurors informed of the proceedings and help with showing CCTV evidence
Help to ensure security and appropriate standards of behaviour in the court building
Do administration such as filing, photocopying and distributing internal court papers
Collect letters and legal documents and prepare the mail to send out each day
Deliver cash and cheques to the bank at the end of the day
Get reference books from the library for the Sheriffs or officials during the court proceedings.
Move documents or other light items to and from the court
Update court reference guides
Make sure the members of a jury have privacy to consider their verdict
Set up audio/visual equipment and screens for cases with vulnerable witnesse
Open and close the court building
Report any repairs needed in the court building
You would need to able to deal with people in what could be a difficult situation for them. They might be anxious and worried about being in court so it would be important to be calm and tactful in dealing with them.
Some of the cases may be very distressing but it would be important to not get emotionally involved. You’d also need to respect confidentiality.
Hours
As a full-time court officer you would work 37 hours a week between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional late sessions if necessary. Part-time work is often available.
Environment
You would work in courtrooms and at offices and reception desks at the court building.
Travel
You may sometimes need to travel between different courts.
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Top skills
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It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- respecting
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- listening
- attention to detail
- time management
- reliable
Your skills are important
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Getting in
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Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Administration and Information Technology
People and Society
There are no formal qualifications required for this job.
You would be employed by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service. It will give you specialised training so you are equipped to do the job and help you develop new skills.
Qualifications and experience that demonstrate communication skills, the ability to work with the public and handle difficult situations and an understanding of the security /legal sector such as:
Skills for Work Uniformed and Emergency Services (SCQF level 4)
Scottish Vocational Qualification in Courts and Tribunal Operations (SVQ level 2/3)
A driving licence can also be helpful.
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