staff may need to work together to establish release protocols when space is limited. The RAO should have 
a significant voice in drafting those protocols. Whether the RAO recommends security (bail) or conditional 
release, the RAO will generally suggest to the judge the conditions that the defendant should abide by if he 
or she makes bail or is conditionally released. Defendants released prior to trial will sign release agreements 
indicating the conditions of release recommended by the RAO and imposed by the judge. RAOs may also 
investigate the defendant’s proposed living conditions upon release to make sure that they promote lawful 
activity and the ability for reappearance for all scheduled court appearances. 
Scheduling Clerk 
The scheduling clerk, or docketing clerk, set all hearings and trials on the court docket. The scheduling 
clerk notes the anticipated duration of trials (most trials are concluded within one day), speedy trial 
constraints, statutory and local court rules time frames, etc. The role of the scheduling clerk is extremely 
important, and an experienced scheduling clerk contributes to the overall efficiency of the legal process. 
Ineffective or inefficient scheduling causes delay, frustration, and may impede the justice process. Part of 
scheduling, or docketing, is keeping track of law enforcement officers’ and defense attorneys’ scheduled 
vacations. In addition, the scheduling clerk must be mindful of the judges’ calendars which should track 
scheduled vacation time and training days, and also needed desk time, the time necessary for resolving 
cases they have taken under advisement. (Note that trial judges can either decide “from the bench”, 
meaning they will rule immediately on the issues before them during the hearing, or after taking the case 
under advisement, meaning they will rule through a written decision/opinion letter after spending time 
researching the law, reviewing the parties written pleadings, and considering the oral arguments). 
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