Who is who in a courtroom

The judge is neutral, the prosecutor represents the State or the city, and the clerk keeps the records. None of them can give legal advice about a case, however helpful they are.

Judge

Runs the courtroom, decides questions of law, and in a district court criminal trial also decides the facts. The judge is neutral: they do not represent either side.

Prosecutor

The lawyer who represents the State or a city in a criminal case. The prosecutor decides what charges to bring and has the burden of proving the charge. They do not represent the victim personally, and they are not the victim's private attorney.

Defense attorney

The lawyer who represents the person accused of an offense. Their job is to advise that person, examine the State's evidence, raise legal issues, and hold the State to its burden of proof.

Public defender or appointed counsel

A defense attorney provided at public expense to a person who qualifies. Whether counsel is appointed depends on the offense involved and on the person's financial circumstances, under the standards that apply in that court.

Court clerk

Keeps the court's records, files documents, schedules cases, and handles payment of fines and costs. The clerk's office is usually the right place to ask about dates, paperwork, and balances — but clerks cannot give legal advice.

Bailiff

The officer responsible for security and order in the courtroom, and for helping the court run its docket.

Defendant

The person accused of committing an offense. A defendant is presumed innocent, does not have to prove innocence, and does not have to testify.

Victim

A person alleged to have been harmed by an offense. Victims have rights under Arkansas law regarding notice and participation in the process.

Witness

Someone who testifies about what they saw, heard, or know. Either side may call witnesses, and either side may question them.

Law-enforcement officer

The officer or deputy who issued a citation or made an arrest. Officers commonly appear as witnesses. An officer is not the person who decides the outcome of a case.

Still stuck on a word? See the plain-English glossary.