Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who provide security and maintain order in the courtroom during trials and other court proceedings. Bailiffs may also provide other security services, such as escorting the jury out of the courtroom to ensure they do not have contact with anyone outside of the courtroom, and guarding the jury during sequestration (isolation) of the jury. Bailiffs may help maintain courtroom decorum by announcing the judge’s entrance into the courtroom, and by reminding all persons in the courtroom to turn off their cell phones and remain silent when court is in session.
In Michigan, bailiffs are court officers whose primary responsibilities include maintaining security and order within courtrooms. They are tasked with ensuring the safety of all participants during trials and other legal proceedings. Bailiffs in Michigan may be required to perform a variety of duties such as escorting jurors to prevent contact with the public, guarding sequestered juries, and enforcing courtroom rules. They also announce the arrival of the judge and may instruct attendees to silence their cell phones and maintain proper decorum while court is in session. The specific duties and powers of bailiffs can vary depending on the court's rules and the directives of the presiding judge. They typically work under the authority of the county sheriff's department or the court system, and their role is essential in upholding the integrity of the judicial process.