Which statement is true about continuance authorities for clerks?

• A. Clerks may grant a continuance whenever the defendant calls the court.
• B. Clerks can grant a continuance only with the judge's approval.
• C. Clerks have no authority to grant a continuance when the defendant calls the court.
• D. Clerks do not have authority to grant a continuance simply because a defendant calls the court.

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that clerks handle administrative duties, not the authority to grant delays on their own. A defendant calling the court does not create a legal right to a continuance. A continuance must come from the court’s action—usually by a judge approving a proper motion or schedule change—rather than an unilateral decision by the clerk. So, a clerk cannot simply grant more time just because a defendant calls. They must follow the court’s process and obtain the appropriate authorization, typically through the judge or a formally filed request. The other statements imply broader or no authority, which isn’t accurate; the correct understanding is that continuances require proper court action and cannot be granted merely due to a phone call.