A prothonotary is a public officer of some jurisdictions. It is defined as the officer who officiates as principal clerk of the courts; and the clerk is defined as an officer of the court who keeps its records, keeps the great seal, issues processes, enters judgment and orders and certifies records. The office is responsible for processing the documents that directly and materially affect the legal relationships and legal commerce of the citizens of the jurisdiction.
Some of the duties of a prothonotary may include accepting documents for filing, issues writs, initiating execution proceedings, taking bonds in civil cases; and processing appeals. In addition, the prothonotary may have miscellaneous record keeping duties such as the recording of notary public signatures, mechanics' liens, municipal claims and tax liens.
