The word "clerk" as used in these rules refers to the clerk of any of the several superior courts in this state and to the staff members serving as deputy clerks.
Rule 2.3.Clerk
Rule 2. DEFINITIONS · Last amended 1997 · Last verified July 17, 2026
In one sentenceRule 2.3 defines “clerk” to mean not just the clerk of a Georgia superior court but also every staff member who serves as a deputy clerk in that office, so duties assigned to “the clerk” throughout the rules can be carried out by clerk’s-office staff.
Full Text of Rule 2.3
Plain-English Summary
Rule 2.3 gives “clerk” a two-tier meaning. It reaches the clerk of any of the several superior courts in Georgia, and it also reaches the staff members serving as deputy clerks in that office. That second tier matters in practice, because much of the day-to-day work assigned to “the clerk” elsewhere in the rules — processing filings under Rule 2.6, carrying out the ministerial case-assignment duties described in Rule 3.1 — falls to deputy clerks in day-to-day practice rather than the clerk personally.
By folding deputy clerks into the definition, Rule 2.3 confirms that their acts within the clerk’s office carry the same authority the rules assign to “the clerk,” without requiring every duty to be traced back to the elected or appointed clerk individually.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does “clerk” refer to under Rule 2.3?
The clerk of any of the several superior courts in Georgia, and the staff members serving as deputy clerks in that office.
Does the definition of “clerk” include deputy clerks, or only the clerk personally?
It includes deputy clerks — Rule 2.3 names “the staff members serving as deputy clerks” as part of the definition.
When was Rule 2.3 last amended?
October 9, 1997.
Is “clerk” limited to one particular superior court’s office?
No. It refers to the clerk of any of the several superior courts in the state.
Why would deputy clerks need to be included in this definition?
Because rules elsewhere assign clerk’s-office duties, such as processing filings or carrying out case assignment, that deputy clerks handle in practice rather than the clerk alone.
Amendment History
Amended effective October 9, 1997.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Uniform Superior Court Rules, published by the
Council of Superior Court Judges of Georgia. Last verified July 17, 2026.
· Official source
Also known as: USCR definition of clerk georgiadeputy clerk georgia superior court rulerule 2.3 georgia court definitionsclerk of superior court georgia meaning