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Simple English definitions for legal terms
deputy sheriff
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A quick definition of deputy sheriff:
A deputy sheriff is a person who helps the sheriff with their duties. The sheriff is the main person in charge of keeping the peace in a county and making sure people follow the law. The deputy sheriff can do many of the same things as the sheriff, like arresting people who break the law and keeping people safe. Sometimes people use the word "undersheriff" to mean the same thing as "deputy sheriff." In Scotland, a sheriff is a judge who makes decisions about legal problems in their county.
A more thorough explanation:
A deputy sheriff is an officer who works under the direction of a sheriff and performs most of the duties of the sheriff's office. They are appointed for a special occasion or purpose, and may act as custodian of the county jail, execute civil and criminal process, and carry out judicial mandates within the county.
For example, if the sheriff is unavailable or needs assistance, the deputy sheriff can step in and perform their duties. They may also be responsible for patrolling the county, responding to emergency calls, and investigating crimes.
In some jurisdictions, the term undersheriff is used interchangeably with deputy sheriff. However, some writers distinguish between the two, suggesting that an undersheriff is a permanent position while a deputy is appointed for a specific purpose.
Overall, the role of a deputy sheriff is to assist the sheriff in maintaining law and order within the county and ensuring the safety of its residents.