In addition to judicial officers, courts appoint the following auxiliary staff:

• clerk: Keeps records and supervises administrative affairs.
  
  
• reporter: Makes a record of court proceedings and prepares a transcript, and also publishes the court's opinions or decisions (in the courts of appeals).
  
  
• librarian: Meets the information needs of the judges and lawyers.
  
  
• staff attorneys and law clerks: Assist judges with research and drafting of opinions.
  
  
• pretrial services officers and probation officers: Screen applicants for pretrial release and monitor convicted offenders released under court supervision.
  
  
• public defenders and other attorneys: Represent indigent (poor) defendants in criminal matters.