About the Circuit Clerk's Office
Circuit Clerks are elected for a period of six years and their duties,
responsibilities, compensation are set by statute.
The Circuit Clerk is an officer within the judicial system and plays a pivotal role in that system.
The Circuit Clerk is responsible for all papers in the office. this means the clerk
is the registrar, recorder and custodian of all pleadings, documents and funds
pertaining to cases filed in the circuit court.
The Circuit Clerk is responsible for the administration and management of the petit
and grand jury systems in the county. Under the direction of the court, the clerk
creates the master list of prospective jurors; randomly selects panels for attendance;
qualifies and summons the jurors; and monitors attendance and mileage for
reimbursement purposes.
The clerk is also the fee officer. The clerk is authorized by statute to collect
various fees, fines, and costs associated with cases and hold and disburse other
types of payments and deposits, such as bonds and restitution.
The multiple functions and responsibilities of the clerk's office require that the
clerk periodically report various statistics, reports and other information to
other governmental agencies. The Circuit Clerk is the provider of certain vital
statistics to the department of human services and financial data to the offices of
the state auditor and the state treasurer.
The Circuit Clerk is also authorized to appoint deputy clerks subject to the review
of the court and/or county commission. Deputy clerks take the same oath of office
as the clerk and perform all official acts and duties in the name of the circuit
clerk.
