Bailiffs: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Bailiffs had been serving the court since the medieval times in England. During that time, their duty was to collect fines and rent and supervise the activities of the court. The Royal Court holds two sessions every year and the court bailiffs assist the judges. Presently, bailiffs are considered to be important in court proceedings and they are now considered as officers of the court.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
High school course which deals with law like Political Science should be taken by those who plan to work as bailiffs. They need to know how to communicate properly so Speech, English and Communication classes are recommended. Computer class is also helpful. Some states are requiring bailiffs to have a training with the law enforcement and be enrolled in police academies. Community colleges offer related courses like Report Writing and Communications, Criminal Law, Ethics in the Justice System and Police Functions. The requirements for obtaining a license depend on the state. They are also required to obtain a certification as an officer of the court or as a peace officer.
Skills and Abilities
Communication skill is very important when working as a bailiff. Bailiffs need to make sure that the information and instructions are properly given. They can do this by effectively communicating with the people they work with and people inside the courtroom.
They should be focused with their work and know how to respond quickly to any issues.
Duties
Bailiffs oversee the court’s business. They handle everything that happens in the courtroom. They are known as the right hand of the judges. They are responsible in instructing the people to rise and be seated. They also swears in the witness. The responsibilities of courtroom bailiffs differ in every state but for the court system there is a common responsibility that is set. The most important duty of the bailiffs is to maintain peace and order in the court proceedings. Their duty also includes taking care of the jury. They make lodging and food arrangements when the jury is not allowed to go home during a trial. Bailiffs serve as an escort of the jury members in public places. They make sure that the jury will no see or hear anything about the case being handled. Part of their task is to serve legal papers like restraining orders, jury summonses and court summonses. Sometimes they would need to track down companies or individuals to serve the legal papers.They also have the right to repossess a vehicle or throw the tenants out of their house upon court’s instruction.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The earnings of bailiffs are dependent on the budget given to the sheriff’s department. The change in court system and proceedings will affect the job availability for bailiffs.There will still be a need for bailiffs since they play an important role in court proceedings yet the competition will be very high and only qualified applicants will be given the opportunity.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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Word Count: 549 Date: Thu, 25 Nov 2010 Time: 7:30 PM
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