When people think of the Ontario Superior Court, they often picture judges, lawyers, and court clerks. However, another critical role in the justice system is that of a Court Services Officer (CSO). These professionals play a key part in ensuring that court proceedings run smoothly, safely, and efficiently.
At Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers, we regularly interact with Court Services Officers during court proceedings. Understanding their responsibilities can help clients feel more comfortable when attending court and navigating Ontario’s family law system.
What Is a Court Services Officer?
A Court Services Officer (CSO) is a court employee responsible for the security, administration, and operational support of court proceedings. Their primary duties involve maintaining order in the courtroom, assisting with case management, and ensuring that court procedures run efficiently.
CSOs work in both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice, including in family law, civil, and criminal matters. They are essential to the day-to-day operations of the legal system.
Key Responsibilities of a Court Services Officer
1. Ensuring Courtroom Security and Order
One of the primary roles of a CSO is to maintain a safe and orderly courtroom environment. They:
- Monitor courtroom behaviour to prevent disruptions.
- Ensure that all parties, including lawyers, clients, and the public, follow courtroom rules.
- Assist with the movement of parties in and out of the courtroom.
- In some cases, coordinate with law enforcement if security concerns arise.
2. Managing Courtroom Proceedings
Court Services Officers support judges and court staff by:
- Announcing the judge’s entry and exit from the courtroom.
- Calling cases and keeping track of the order of proceedings.
- Handling and organizing exhibits and evidence submitted during hearings.
- Ensuring parties, witnesses, and legal representatives are present and ready for their cases.
3. Assisting With Court Filings and Administrative Tasks
CSOs may also provide support for court registrars and administrative staff, such as:
- Distributing legal documents to judges, lawyers, and court clerks.
- Organizing and maintaining court files.
- Assisting with scheduling and coordinating court hearings.
4. Supporting Family Law Proceedings
In family law cases, Court Services Officers play an important role in managing courtroom logistics. They help ensure that divorce proceedings, custody hearings, and other family-related matters proceed without unnecessary delays.
For self-represented litigants, a CSO can be a valuable point of contact for understanding where to go, how to check in for a hearing, and what to expect in court—though they cannot provide legal advice.
How Is a Court Services Officer Different from a Law Clerk or Court Registrar?
While CSOs, law clerks, and court registrars all play essential roles in the legal system, their responsibilities differ significantly.
- Role Court Services Officer (CSO)
- Employer – Works for the court
- Primary Role – Courtroom security, maintaining order, assisting judges
- Legal Advice – Cannot provide legal advice
- Interaction with Clients – Limited to courtroom settings
- Law Clerk
- Employer – Works for a law firm
- Primary Role – Assists lawyers in preparing documents, managing cases
- Legal Advice – Cannot provide legal advice
- Interaction with Clients – Works directly with clients under lawyer supervision
- Court Registrar
- Employer – Works for the court
- Primary Role – Processes legal filings, manages court schedules
- Legal Advice – Cannot provide legal advice
- Interaction with Clients – Limited to filing and procedural matters
Why CSOs Matter in Ontario’s Court System
Without Court Services Officers, courtrooms would lack the structure and security needed for fair and orderly proceedings. They ensure that:
- Hearings start and end on time, minimizing delays.
- All parties follow court rules, reducing disruptions.
- Judges can focus on decision-making, rather than managing procedural issues.
At Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers, we appreciate the work that Court Services Officers do to keep Ontario’s family courts running smoothly. If you’re preparing for a court appearance, knowing what to expect—including the role of a CSO—can help reduce stress and make the process more manageable.