In any given courtroom, there is a handful of people up front. Most everyone knows which one is the judge. They could probably point out the bailiff, prosecutor, and defense attorneys, but who are the rest of the people up there, and what do they do?
In District Court, one of those people is the District Clerk. As the record keeper of the court, the District Clerk maintains all the official records and documents related to every case that comes through the court, and more.
Since 1996, Sharon Mathis has served Jackson County in the role. It falls on her and her deputies to make sure the docket is done before the court date, to assist the court to assign attorneys, and make sure a jury pool is there when needed. Evidence, documents, schedules - anything that has a record, is the responsibility of the clerk. So is knowing the little ins and outs of the job that go into doing it efficiently.
In a criminal case, the office’s work begins after a grand jury indictment. It is Mathis’ job to get those indicted onto a criminal non-jury docket. “When the Grand Jury meets, we get in the indictments,” said Mathis. “And depending on whether they’re in custody or not, I choose the best court date for each case. If they’re in custody, I set them faster. If theyre on bond, I give them time to hire an attorney.”
District clerks also handle civil and family matters, like lawsuits, divorces, and child custody. Anything that comes through the district courtroom becomes Mathis’ responsibility.
In addition to these responsibilities, if you need a passport, this is the office to visit.
In addition to the duties listed on paper, after almost three decades in her role, Mathis has also learned things that make her life, the lives of the public, the lives of the various judges that come to Jackson County, easier. Different judges have different ways of doing things, and getting to know them helps make the process smoother and more navigable for everyone involved, including the public.
Through lived experience and continuing education, Sharon Mathis and her deputies help to make sure the records are kept and the wheels of the justice system keep turning smoothly.
