Court Registry Officer

The Court Registry Officer CRO plays a critical role in the successful operation of a Court. The CRO will work as part of a Registry team that delivers quality customer service, efficient and timely case progression, effective judicial case support. The position of CRO requires expertise, knowledge and experience to ensure an effective and timely service to members of the Judiciary and Court users. A CRO holds the Statutory Authority of a Deputy Registrar granted under the District Courts Act 1947 and/or the Judicature Act 1908 and exercises a wide range of powers and functions under that authority. In doing so the CRO acts in quasi-judicial capacity. The decisions made by a CRO in accordance with those powers are reviewable only by a District Court or High Court Judge or by judicial review.

The CRO may operate within one or more jurisdictions (Civil, Family or Criminal), and work within one or a combination of the following process streams receiving and processing, taking court, case management and scheduling. The position holder may be required to travel and work at other court locations within the court cluster (applies to District Courts only).

Court Registry Officers are appointed as Deputy Registrars under the District Courts Act 1947 and/or the Judicature Act 1908 and are required to exercise statutory and quasi-judicial powers across one or more jurisdictions i.e. Criminal, Youth, Civil and Family. Exercising these powers involves a range of work varying from completing simple processes through to decision-making that requires extensive knowledge, experience and judgement, coupled with the individual’s ability to research the situation.

Receiving and Processing - respond to customer inquiries, process them, general orders, summons, warrants and applications. Generate orders, summons and warrants. Provide information to a person filing documents, exercise Deputy Registrar powers, prepare case files, maintain key relationships with key customers including counsel, service providers, court staff and other stakeholders.

Case Management - manage cases from filing to disposition, consult and liaise, ensure relevant case notes and events are recorded in CMS, endeavour to ensure compliance and directions, escalate issues relating to your caseload, schedule cases, support the judiciary through the provision of up-to-date information on the status of cases, prepare the next event, ensure orders are correct and sealed, ensure professional appointments are made.

Court Taking - Liaise with case parties, case officer and judiciary in order to manage the smooth operations of the courtroom and any issues that may arise, responsible for the management of Jurors including summons, education/information, ensure courtroom is tidy and equipped. it is maintained and secured, operate digital/audio systems, support the judicial officers, ensure case records are updated, produce orders and warrants and provide management reporting.

Scheduling - ensure the next event dates are allocated, plan next events, escalate scheduling conflicts or issues, maintain awareness of the effective use of judicial time and available resources. Liaise with parties to effectively schedule cases.