When a defendant calls to reset a trial date, can the clerk grant the continuance?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. The clerk may grant continuances only for defendant-caused delays.
• D. The clerk may grant continuances for any reason.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is what administrative staff can handle to keep a court’s calendar moving. Clerks have authority to issue administrative continuances to reset trial dates as part of keeping the docket organized and efficient. When a defendant calls to reset, this is typically treated as a scheduling matter rather than a substantive ruling, so the clerk can grant the continuance within the court’s procedures. This makes the clerk’s action appropriate for moving the date without needing a formal motion or judge’s intervention for every request. Of course, if the requested delay is extensive or raises significant rights issues, a judge may later review or modify the scheduling decision, but for routine date changes, the clerk may grant the continuance for any reasonable scheduling purpose.