Court officer
Help keep Scotland’s courts running smoothly and efficiently.
Also known as: macer
About the job
What it's like
Are you looking for an entry-level role in Scotland's justice system? Learn more about life as a court officer – it's a perfect way to kickstart your career!
In this job, you'll prepare the courtroom before a case. You'll also escort the Sheriff or Justice of the Peace to and from the court, assisting them with any preparatory tasks.
You'll work as part of a team that makes sure the court is conducted in an orderly and efficient manner. This'll see you work alongside the clerk of court, police officers and security officers.
Court officers are responsible for items of evidence that are produced in court. You'll also collect witnesses from the witness rooms and bring them in to speak when they're called upon.
People appear at court for many different reasons – it's often a difficult situation for them. They may be anxious or worried, so it's important you're calm and tactful when dealing with them.
Some court cases can be distressing, or even a bit dramatic. But you can't become emotionally involved – you're there to carry out a vital job on behalf of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service!
Your tasks might include:
answering phone calls and assisting people who are visiting the court building – you'll also check in witnesses ahead of court cases and show them where to go
carrying out general duties such as calling witnesses, handling evidence, escorting the Sheriff or Justice of the Peace to and from court, updating witnesses and jurors on proceedings and helping to show CCTV footage
filing, photocopying and distributing internal court papers – you'll also collect letters and legal documents as you prepare the mail that gets sent out each day
fetching reference books from the library for Sheriffs or court officials
setting up audio/visual equipment and screens for cases with vulnerable witnesses who aren't able to appear in person
making sure the members of a jury have privacy to consider their verdict
opening and closing the court building, as well as reporting any repair work that needs done
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) – explore vacancies across the country's justice system
Disclosure Scotland – learn more about the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- respecting
- cooperating
- verbal communication
- listening
- attention to detail
- time management
- reliable
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Administration and Information Technology
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People and Society
You don't need any formal qualifications to become a court officer in Scotland. But a good general education will help your application stand out.
Court officers are employed by the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS). You'll receive training to help you develop the skills needed to carry out this role.
Before you start working, you must become a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme, run by Disclosure Scotland.
Alongside your daily duties, SCTS will provide ongoing training. This can help you progress into a senior court officer role, or other positions within the justice system.
Use the My World of Work job search to find court officer vacancies.
Any experience you have in customer service, security, administration or public service is useful.
Depending on your location and duties, you might need a driving licence.
Find the right course for you
Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Court officer'
