Clerk Definition and Legal Meaning
On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Clerk, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.
What is Clerk?
A clerk who works in an office and a store is responsible for filing and keeping record of documents and accounts,drafting and sending letters, attends customers, arranges shelves,acts as a cashier and performs other legal tasks. A legal clerk is one who assists a judge or an attorney in managing the proceedings of the case by maintaing details of each case and sending letters to parties and performs other legal tasks.Legal clerks are young lawyers or law students taking training from senior lawyers or judges.
History and Meaning of Clerk
The term clerk has its roots from the medieval Latin word "clericus" which means clergyman, scribe or scholar. Originally, the term clerk referred to a cleric or a religious leader who was educated enough to read and write. Later on, the term began to be used in a secular sense to describe an individual who recorded transactions, maintained files, and carried out general office duties. Today, clerks work in various settings including law firms, retail stores, government agencies, and other businesses.
Examples of Clerk
- A store clerk who manages inventory, arranges merchandise, and assists customers in a retail store.
- An office clerk who maintains records, prepares and sends correspondence, and responds to customer inquiries.
- A legal clerk who assists a judge or attorney in managing legal proceedings, maintaining court records, and conducting research for cases.
Legal Terms Similar to Clerk
- Court Clerk: A court clerk is an official responsible for managing the administrative aspects of a court, including maintaining case files, issuing summons and subpoenas, and recording court proceedings.
- Bailiff: A bailiff is a court official responsible for maintaining order in a court of law, protecting jurors and witnesses, and escorting defendants.
- Law Clerk: A law clerk is a legal professional who assists judges and attorneys in conducting legal research, drafting legal documents, and managing court proceedings.