Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who provide security and maintain order in the courtroom during trials and other court proceedings. Bailiffs may also provide other security services, such as escorting the jury out of the courtroom to ensure they do not have contact with anyone outside of the courtroom, and guarding the jury during sequestration (isolation) of the jury. Bailiffs may help maintain courtroom decorum by announcing the judge’s entrance into the courtroom, and by reminding all persons in the courtroom to turn off their cell phones and remain silent when court is in session.
In Texas, bailiffs are integral court personnel responsible for maintaining security and order within courtrooms. They are typically deputized as peace officers or sheriff's deputies and have law enforcement authority. Bailiffs ensure the safety of all participants during court proceedings, including judges, jurors, attorneys, and the public. Their duties include escorting jurors to prevent unauthorized contact, guarding sequestered juries, announcing the judge's entrance, and enforcing courtroom rules such as silencing cell phones. The specific regulations and procedures governing bailiffs' conduct and responsibilities may vary by county and court jurisdiction within Texas. However, they operate under the broader framework of Texas state statutes and the directives of the presiding judge or court administration.
