Which statement about pleas is accurate?

Which statement about pleas is accurate?

• A. Yes, clerks may ask the defendant how to plead.
• B. Only if instructed by a judge.
• C. No, clerks may not ask the defendant how to plead.
• D. Only for certain misdemeanor cases.

Answer: (C)

Pleading is a judicial function that must be performed under the judge’s supervision. The judge asks the defendant how they plead, and the plea is entered based on that response. Clerks are administrative staff and do not prompt or determine the defendant’s plea. They handle the docket, document the proceedings, and assist with administrative tasks, but they do not initiate or influence how the defendant pleads. That’s why the statement that clerks may not ask the defendant how to plead is accurate. The other options imply clerks can prompt, require judge instruction, or apply only to certain cases, which isn’t how plea proceedings are handled.

Pleading is a judicial function that must be performed under the judge’s supervision. The judge asks the defendant how they plead, and the plea is entered based on that response. Clerks are administrative staff and do not prompt or determine the defendant’s plea. They handle the docket, document the proceedings, and assist with administrative tasks, but they do not initiate or influence how the defendant pleads. That’s why the statement that clerks may not ask the defendant how to plead is accurate. The other options imply clerks can prompt, require judge instruction, or apply only to certain cases, which isn’t how plea proceedings are handled.