Legal Definitions - commissioner

A commissioner is an official appointed to a specific position, often with significant authority to manage, oversee, or make decisions within a particular area. This role can involve leading a government department or agency, serving as a member of a governing board or regulatory body, or performing specialized administrative or judicial-like duties.

• Example 1: Head of a State Department

  Imagine the person in charge of a state's Department of Motor Vehicles. This individual, often referred to as the Commissioner of Motor Vehicles, is responsible for overseeing all operations related to driver's licenses, vehicle registrations, and road safety regulations across the entire state. They manage a large staff, set policies, and ensure the department runs efficiently.

  This illustrates the term "commissioner" as the administrative head of a major government organization, holding significant authority over its functions and policies.

• Example 2: Member of a City Planning Board

  A city might have a Planning Commission, a group of appointed officials who review proposals for new construction, zoning changes, and urban development projects. Each member of this board is a commissioner. They collectively decide whether to approve or deny projects based on city ordinances and community plans.

  Here, "commissioner" refers to an individual who is a member of a multi-person board or "commission" that has specific oversight and decision-making powers within a local government context.

• Example 3: Specialized Court Official

  In some court systems, a court commissioner might be appointed to assist judges by handling specific tasks, such as conducting initial hearings for minor criminal offenses, mediating small claims disputes, or making recommendations in family law cases like child support. They act as an extension of the court's authority for these particular functions.

  This example demonstrates a "commissioner" as a specialized officer appointed by a court to perform certain administrative or quasi-judicial duties, helping to manage the court's workload.