Putnam County

Circuit Clerk

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Circuit Clerk

Stephanie Smith
Putnam County Circuit Clerk

Essential Duties of the Circuit Clerk

Circuit Clerks, chosen through elections, serve for a span of six years. Their obligations, responsibilities, and compensation are clearly defined by statute.

Positioned as an Officer of the Court, the Circuit Clerk assumes a central and pivotal role within the intricate workings of the judicial system.

As a custodian of the office’s paperwork, the Circuit Clerk assumes the roles of registrar, recorder, and custodian. This encompassing responsibility involves overseeing all pleadings, documents, and funds pertaining to cases within the circuit court.

Jury System Management

The Circuit Clerk takes charge of the administration and management of both petit and grand jury systems in the county. Operating under the court’s guidance, the clerk handles tasks such as compiling the master list of potential jurors, random panel selection, juror qualification and summons, and meticulous monitoring of attendance and mileage for reimbursement purposes.

Authority Over Fees & Deposits

The Circuit Clerk holds the role of fee officer, backed by statutory authorization. This empowers the clerk to gather diverse fees, fines, and costs tied to cases, and to manage the collection and disbursement of various payments and deposits, including bonds and restitution.

Reporting Vital Data

The intricate array of responsibilities within the clerk’s office mandates periodic reporting of key statistics, reports, and pertinent information to various governmental agencies. This includes supplying vital statistics to the Department of Human Services and financial data to the state auditor and state treasurer.

Authorized Appointments

With the authority to appoint deputy clerks, subject to court and/or county commission review, the Circuit Clerk extends the reach of their role. These deputy clerks pledge the same oath as the clerk and undertake official acts and duties in the name of the circuit clerk.