Court Roles

Role of the Judge
  • Insures that all persons before the court are treated fairly and equally
  • Insures that orders of the court are followed
  • Presides over jury trials and hears non-jury trials
  • Sets the terms and conditions of deferred dispositions and other sentences
Role of the Clerks
  • Administrators of the court
  • Carry out the orders of the judge and the procedures and policies mandated by the state or other authority
  • Prohibited by law to give any legal advice or interpret the law for you, as they are not attorneys
  • May not change the court's orders or make exceptions to the court's rules for any individual
  • May not tell you what they think the judge or the prosecutor may do in your case
  • They can only answer factual questions regarding the information they have
Role of the Prosecutor
  • Attorney for the City and the State
  • The prosecutor is not your attorney
  • You have the right not to speak to the prosecutor
  • If you choose to speak to the prosecutor be aware that any statement you make may be used against you should you choose to proceed to trial
Role of the City Marshal
  • Acts as Bailiff for the court during court proceedings
  • Executes writs, warrants of arrest, and serves other process issued by the court (summons, subpoenas, etc.)
  • The City Marshal of the Huntsville Municipal Court is a peace officer as defined by the Code of Criminal Procedure
  • The City Marshal's duty is to the court and the service of the court