Officers of the Court
Chief Executive Officer
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is responsible to the Chief Justice, the President of the Court of Appeal and the Executive Director (Courts) for the overall administration of the Court.
Principal Registrar
The Principal Registrar is responsible for the administration of the Supreme Court Registry; the secure custody and safekeeping of Court records; collecting and accounting for all fees received by the Court; and all aspects of proceedings and appeals coming within the jurisdiction.
Prothonotary
The Prothonotary has statutory and quasi-judicial obligations and responsibilities, for example conducting pre trial conferences and dealing with applications to waive Court fees. The Prothonotary is available to assist with after hours calls for urgent applications.
Registrar of Probates
The Registrar of Probates is responsible for the processing of all common form Grants of Representation of deceased estates in Victoria. He is also responsible for the secure custody of all testamentary records and wills deposited with him for safekeeping. In addition the Registrar of Probates provides assistance to applicants who wish to obtain probate or administration in small estate matters provided the gross value of the estate does not exceed the statutory limit. Contact the Probate Registry to determine the current statutory limit and whether an application should be lodged at Melbourne or a local Magistrates' Court.
Self Represented Litigant Coordinator
The Self Represented Litigant Coordinator provides procedural guidance and assistance to litigants in person wishing to commence proceedings on their own behalf or appearing before the Court.
Juries Commissioner
The Office of the Juries Commissioner is responsible for the efficient management and administration of the jury system in Victoria. Office functions include: the issue of questionnaires and summonses to prospective jurors; the administration and co-ordination of jury empanelments; the development of policies and procedures to improve jury services and educating the community about the jury system.
Office Manager, Senior Master's (Funds in Court) Office
In general terms, the Funds in Court Office manages and invests money which has been paid into Court. The Manager is responsible for the day to day administration of the Office, and for the implementation of investment decisions.
Judicial Employees
Associates
All judges (including associate judges) are supported by an Associate (some judges have 2 Associates). The principal functions of an Associate are to prepare and maintain paperwork connected with the work of the Court; schedule and co-ordinate interlocutory hearings; liaise with the Associate Judge who is the Listing Master regarding trial dates; sit in Court with the Judge; and liaise with other sections of the Court, the profession and the public on behalf of the judge.
Tipstaves
Some judges employ a Tipstaff. The duties of a Tipstaff involve two areas - Court work and Chambers work. In Court, Tipstaves have key duties concerning witnesses and jurors, while in Chambers they maintain the Judge's library and attend to a range of other needs. The position of Tipstaff in the Courts of law has its origin in the 14th century. The official of those times was responsible for apprehending persons who had defied the Orders of the Court and subsequently delivering them into custody. These duties required travel throughout the countryside.