During a court proceeding, who do court officers primarily serve?

Court officers primarily serve judges within the courtroom setting. Their primary responsibilities include ensuring the authority and dignity of the court are maintained, providing security within the courtroom, handling the movement of prisoners and evidence, and assisting judges with their procedural needs. Court officers help to facilitate the smooth operation of court functions, which directly supports judges as they oversee trials and hearings.

While they also interact with defendants, jurors, and prosecutors in the course of their duties, their overarching role is to be an extension of the judicial authority embodied by the judge. This focus on serving the judge allows them to effectively contribute to maintaining order and upholding the rule of law in the courtroom.