The clerk of the court is generally the person who is responsible for all administrative tasks related to the court’s functions—including the filing of documents, recordkeeping, and scheduling of hearings, trials, and other matters before the court.
In Massachusetts, the clerk of the court, also known as the clerk-magistrate, is a key administrative officer within the judicial system. The clerk's responsibilities encompass managing the flow of cases through the court, maintaining court records, ensuring the proper filing of legal documents, and scheduling court proceedings such as hearings and trials. The clerk also assists the public by providing information on court procedures and may handle certain judicial duties as permitted by law. The role of the clerk is critical in ensuring the efficient operation of the court and the integrity of the court record. The appointment and duties of clerks are governed by Massachusetts state statutes and court rules.