Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court in North Carolina [2]is responsible for the day-to-day operation of courts. Appointed by the Crown clerk or secretary of the province, his duties in 1669 included recording deeds, leases, judgments, and mortgages. Later he was also responsible for reading charges in court, taking minutes, administering oaths, entering appeals, recording marks or bonds, and dismissing suits.

The clerk of the General Court served in multiple capacities. Among them, he kept the court calendar, dispatched constables, handled arrangements, and drew juries. The clerk also attended special courts, swore in the evidence, collected fines, drew up indictments, and recorded court proceedings.