Application
This unit describes the skills required to perform court orderly functions in a range of courts and jurisdictions. It includes preparing the courtroom, following court procedures and protocols, managing court appearances and taking action in accordance with court outcomes.
This unit applies to those working within the court system operating under procedures set by the court.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to, particularly those related to WHS and those set by the court.
Those undertaking this unit would generally work independently with occasional supervisory responsibilities. They would perform complex tasks in a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Prepare the courtroom | 1.1 Apply security procedures, ensuring courtroom amenities are checked and adjusted as required. 1.2 Set up and arrange equipment and technology. 1.3 Restore courtroom on completion of sitting. |
2. Follow court procedures and protocols | 2.1 Prepare court forms and documents and ensure they are used correctly. 2.2 Make proclamations. 2.3 Monitor modes of address, manner and movement in the courtroom and instruct court users and the public on protocols. 2.4 Accommodate special court requirements. |
3. Manage court appearances | 3.1 Call persons and report non-appearances to the court. 3.2 Escort persons required to be accompanied to and from their station in the courtroom. 3.3 Administer oaths and affirmations if required, in accordance with the type of proceedings and client preference for the particular oath or affirmation. 3.4 Use court technology at the direction of the presiding official and manage contingencies. |
4. Take action in accordance with court outcomes | 4.1 Take action relating to orders of the court. 4.2 Identify documentary requirements of court outcomes and complete. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
applying legislation, rules, and organisational practices and procedures relating to court functions
using problem-solving skills in response to contingencies
dealing effectively with different stakeholders, including at least one of:
judicial support officers
associates
court reporters
interpreters
sheriff’s officers
parties in custody
instructing court users
Evidence of Knowledge
Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
courts administration management, procedures and protocols
court operating procedures and protocols
principles of judicial independence
organisational policies and procedures relating to carrying out court orderly functions
oaths, affirmations and their administration
court technology
public sector legislation in the context of court functions
Assessment Conditions
Assessment of this unit requires evidence gathered over time in a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the diverse conditions likely to be encountered when supporting a court hearing.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
The foundation skills demands of this unit have been mapped for alignment with the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF). The following tables outline the performance levels indicated for successful attainment of the unit.
Further information on ACSF and the foundation skills underpinning this unit can be found in the Foundation Skills Guide on the GSA website.
Competency Field
Courts