Can Provide
Legal definitions
Forms and instructions on how to complete forms
Procedural definitions
Cites of statutes, court rules, and ordinances
Public case information
Options
Access
General referrals
Cannot Provide
Legal interpretations
Fill out forms for a party
Procedural advice
Research of statutes, court rules, and ordinances
Confidential case information
Opinions
Deny access, discourage access, or encourage litigation
Subjective or biased referrals
Additional "Can" and "Can't-Do" Guidelines for CourtStaff:
Courtstaffcan provide:
General information on court rules, court processes and procedures, and ordinary practices. Note: Courtstaffare not expected to know the answers to all questions about court rules, procedures, and practices.
Guidance on how to compute some deadlines and due dates.
Court schedules and information on how to get matters scheduled.
Telephone numbers of the local attorney referral service or information about other agencies that may offer assistance.
Courtstaffcannot:
Advise on what to say in court.
Speculate what decision the judge might make or what sentence the judge might impose.
Comment about specific persons named in a legal document.
Apply the law nor give directions about how to respond in any aspect of the legal process.
Change an order signed by a judge.
Let a person talk to a judge outside of court.
Remember:
Courtstaffprovide information, not legal advice. If legal advice is necessary, an attorney should be consulted.
The court, including the judge and allstaff, must remain impartial. They do not take sides in any matter coming before the court.
How can we help?
Pierce County wants to hear from you. Please select one of the following to talk to elected officials and staff, or to report problems in our community.