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Simple English definitions for legal terms
officer of the peace
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A quick definition of officer of the peace:
An officer of the peace is someone who is appointed by the government to keep the peace and make sure everyone follows the rules. This can include police officers, sheriffs, and even judges. Their job is to maintain order and arrest people who break the law. Sometimes, other public officials like mayors can also be designated as officers of the peace for specific purposes.
A more thorough explanation:
An officer of the peace is a civil officer appointed to maintain public order and tranquility. This can include police officers, sheriffs, and other public officials designated by authority to keep the peace and arrest individuals suspected of committing crimes.
For example, a police officer who responds to a disturbance call and arrests a person for disorderly conduct is acting as an officer of the peace. Similarly, a sheriff who serves a warrant and arrests a suspect is also an officer of the peace.
It's important to note that the term can also include judges who hear criminal cases or other public officials, such as mayors, who are designated as peace officers for specific purposes.