If a clerk determines there is an error on a traffic citation, the clerk should tell the judge so that the judge can dismiss the case.

If a clerk determines there is an error on a traffic citation, the clerk should tell the judge so that the judge can dismiss the case.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. The clerk should correct the error
• D. Ignore the error

Answer: (B)

A clerk should not dismiss a case simply because there is an error on a traffic citation. Clerks flag issues for the judge and follow the court’s procedures for handling errors. If the error is clerical, the court has established ways to correct it; if it’s substantive, the judge—not the clerk—will decide the appropriate action, which may include dismissing or requiring a corrected citation. The clerk’s job is to ensure the record is accurate and to bring the issue to the judge's attention, not to dismiss cases on their own.

A clerk should not dismiss a case simply because there is an error on a traffic citation. Clerks flag issues for the judge and follow the court’s procedures for handling errors. If the error is clerical, the court has established ways to correct it; if it’s substantive, the judge—not the clerk—will decide the appropriate action, which may include dismissing or requiring a corrected citation. The clerk’s job is to ensure the record is accurate and to bring the issue to the judge's attention, not to dismiss cases on their own.