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 Tennessee, bailiffs are court officers whose primary responsibilities include ensuring the safety and order within courtrooms. They are tasked with providing security during trials and other judicial proceedings, which involves a range of duties such as escorting judges, juries, and sometimes witnesses. Bailiffs ensure that jurors are not influenced by external contact, particularly when the jury is sequestered. They are also responsible for maintaining courtroom decorum, which includes announcing the judge's entrance and enforcing rules such as the prohibition of cell phone use and maintaining silence during court sessions. The exact roles and responsibilities of bailiffs may vary by county and court jurisdiction within Tennessee, but they generally function under the authority of the local sheriff's department or court administration. State statutes and local court rules outline the specific duties and powers of bailiffs within the Tennessee court system.