ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare the courtroom.

1.1. Security procedures are performed according to organisational policy and procedures.

1.2. Court lay-out, and equipment and technology requirements are arranged according to the requirements of the court and legal practitioners.

1.3. Courtroom amenities are checked and adjusted as required.

1.4. On completion of sitting, courtroom is restored according to organisational policy and procedures.

2. Follow court procedures and protocols.

2.1. Court forms and documents are prepared and used according to organisational policy and procedures and legislative requirements.

2.2. Proclamations are made according to court procedures and protocols, and organisational standards for oral presentations.

2.3. Modes of address, manner and movement in the courtroom are monitored, and instructions to court users and the public are made according to court procedures and protocols and organisational requirements.

2.4. Procedures for special court requirements are followed in accordance with legislative requirements and organisational policy and procedures.

3. Manage court appearances.

3.1. Persons are called and non-appearances are reported to the court according to court procedures and protocols.

3.2. Persons required to be accompanied to and from their station in the courtroom are escorted according to court procedures and protocols and operational safety requirements.

3.3. Oathsand affirmations are administered if required in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements for the type of proceedings and client preference for the particular oath or affirmation.

3.4. Court technology is used at the direction of the presiding official and contingencies are managed according to organisational policy and procedures and the direction of the court.

4. Take action in accordance with court outcomes.

4.1. Action relating to orders of the court is taken in accordance with legislative and organisational policy and procedures.

4.2. Documentary requirements of court outcomes are identified and completed in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.

Required skills

initiative and enterprise skills to apply:

legislation, rules, and organisational practices and procedures relating to court functions

procedures relating to public sector legislation, such as OHS and environment in the context of court functions

problem-solving skills in response to contingencies

communication skills to:

deal effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, such as judicial support officers, associates, court reporters, interpreters, sheriff's officers, and parties in custody

make proclamations

instruct court users

administer oaths

interpersonal skills to respond to diversity, including gender and disability

technical skills to type

technology skills to:

operate technology

apply court-specific software

self-management skills to work ethically

Required knowledge

courts administration structure

standard court operating procedures and protocols

principles of judicial independence

current approaches to courts administration

organisational policies and procedures relating to carrying out court orderly functions

rules, procedures and practice directions

oaths, affirmations and their administration

court technology

record-management procedures and protocols

equal employment opportunity principles

equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation, such as OHS and environment in the context of court functions

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

apply appropriate security measures

arrange required courtroom equipment and technology

monitor and provide instructions on court protocols

apply court documentary requirements

apply court duties within scope of authority

provide appropriate actions in relation to orders of the court

Consistency in performance

Competency should be demonstrated by carrying out court orderly functions on a range of occasions, over time.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must comply with:

applicable regulations and codes

workplace procedures and protocols

Access may be required to:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practices and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when carrying out court orderly functions, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to court orderly functions

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when carrying out court orderly functions

Guidance information for assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

oral questioning about relevant legislation, acting ethically, and applying processes

observation of the candidate responding to a range of contexts to ensure achievement of the unit outcomes

feedback from peers and/or supervisor that the candidate consistently applies relevant workplace procedures

review of records completed by candidate or reports of performance

In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency that are difficult to assess directly. Questioning techniques should suit the language and literacy levels of the candidate.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Equipment and technology may include:

electronic whiteboard

electronic equipment for slides, videos, etc.

telephone conferencing equipment

remote viewing equipment

video conferencing equipment

overhead projectors

computers

document readers

digital recording equipment

tape recording equipment

Courtroom amenities may include:

seating

lighting

air conditioning

water and drinking cups

court forms and documents

Court forms and documents may include:

cause list

client information sheet

witness forms

juror's forms

statistical forms

Instructions to court users may include:

when to stand or be seated

silence in court

no eating or drinking

not to approach dock

Special court requirements may include:

victim of crime present

restraining orders and domestic violence order matters

use of door panels for closed court

Persons may include:

presiding officials

defendants

jurors

witnesses

victims and complainants

Oaths and affirmations may include:

religious oaths

interpreter's oath or affirmation

Contingencies may include:

equipment breakdown

technology not functioning as required

problems with information to be displayed

Orders of the court may include:

reporting conditions

alcohol and drug assessment reports

pre-sentencing reports

requesting actions relating to reports

action relating to defendant's release

action relating to placing persons in custody

escorting parties to complete procedural requirements

referrals

Documentary requirements of court outcomes may include:

paperwork for release on bail or community service orders

guarantor's details and documents to be signed

remand and adjournment slips

small claims proformas

notice of payment forms

care and protection forms

adoption forms

jury documentation