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 South Carolina, bailiffs are typically officers of the court who are responsible for maintaining security and order within the courtroom. They are often deputies from the sheriff's department or designated court security officers. Their duties include ensuring the safety of all participants in the courtroom, enforcing courtroom rules, and assisting the judge in various capacities. This can involve escorting jurors, preventing them from outside contact during trials, and providing security during jury sequestration. Bailiffs also manage the entry and exit of the judge, often announcing their arrival and maintaining proper courtroom etiquette, such as reminding attendees to silence their cell phones. The specific regulations and procedures governing bailiffs can vary by county and are typically outlined in state statutes and local court rules.