Mission Statement: To accomplish the prompt and orderly disposition of the business of the court as required by law. As the "gatekeeper" of the court, it is our mission to provide the public with the highest quality, efficient and effective service, while causing as little inconvenience as humanly possible, thus saving the public valuable time and energy

The Clerk of the Superior Court, which the Arizona Constitution established as an elected official within each of the state's fifteen counties, serves as the official record keeper and financial officer of the Superior Court. Arizona Revised Statutes, Supreme Court and Local Court Rules clearly define the duties and functions of the Clerk of the Superior Court. These functions include, but are not limited to:

Administrator of Court Records and Exhibits
All of the documents presented in a Superior Court case must be received, processed, secured and purged in accordance with certain statutory time constraints, archival standards and requirements. In this role the Clerk identifies the changing needs of various records management programs to ensure that the interest of the courts and the public are secured.

Fiduciary/Financial Officer of the Courts
As the court's fiduciary officer, the Clerk receives, records, invests and disburses all statutory fees, fines, reimbursements, restitution and public/custodial trust funds, as ordered by the court; utilizing innovative systems and technologies whenever feasible. This flow of funds is accomplished only through court order and statutory authorization.

Judicial and Quasi-Judicial Officer
The Clerk issues writs, subpoenas, wage assignments, and other court-related orders, serving in a quasi-judicial capacity. The Santa Cruz County Clerk of the Court has been appointed as the county's Probate Registrar and performs limited judicial functions in association with that appointment. In accordance with A.R.S. 21-131, the Presiding Judge has appointed the Clerk as the Jury Commissioner for Santa Cruz County.

Ex-Officio Clerk of the Court
The Clerk's presence at all court sessions is required by statute to receive and record court documents and exhibits, thereby establishing an independent record of court proceedings. In this role, the Clerk is responsible for ensuring proper documentation of court action as well as public access to court records.

Elected Departmental Administrator
As the elected administrator of a court department, the Clerk has the responsibility to establish office policies, budgets, and procedures in accordance with the governing guidelines and policies of the Superior Court, the Supreme Court and Santa Cruz County.

In preparing this material, every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided is correct. The information is provided as a public service and Santa Cruz County assumes no liability for any inaccuracies that it may contain.