The Courtroom Work Group consists of several important professionals. These professionals are the Judge, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney, bailiff, court reporter, clerk of the court and the expert witnesses. The others or non-professionals, are lay witnesses, jurors, defendants, and victims. The most important of the professionals would be the judge. His primary duty is to ensure justice takes place, rules on matters of law, decides on admissibility of evidence, maintains discipline in the court, and determines guilt when a jury is not used. Each state jurisdiction usually has a chief judge. Chief Judges handle administrative responsibilities if there is no administrator. They hire staff, ensure adequate training of new judges and staff, and manage court operations. On the Federal level, judges are picked by the President and then confirmed by the Senate. On the state level there are three selection processes; popular election, gubernatorial appointment, and the Missouri plan. The Missouri plan incorporates elements of both election and appointment. It only comes about if a vacancy occurs. A non-partisan committee creates a list of candidates. The final list is sent to the governor. The governor then appoints from the submitted list and after a specified period of time, the specified judge stands for the election unopposed. .
The qualifications of a judge are as follows: .
• Must be a member of the state bar.
• Be a licensed attorney.
• Must hold a law degree.
• Must attend training sessions.
Prosecuting lawyers are also known as solicitors, district attorneys, state attorneys, and prosecutors. Federal prosecutors are called U.S. attorneys. At the state level, most prosecutors are elected to a four year term. Five states appoint their prosecutors. Prosecutors have many responsibilities, however their main responsibility according to the American Bar Association, is that "the duty of the prosecutor is to seek justice, not just to convict".
