Bailiff

Bailiff (from Late Latin bajulivus, adjectival form of bajulus) is a governor or custodian; cf. Bail), a legal officer to whom some degree of authority, care or jurisdiction is committed. Bailiffs are of various kinds and their offices and duties vary greatly.

United States

In the United States bailiffs, sometimes known as marshals or court officers, are the law enforcement arm of the court. They keep order in the court, serve legal process or other court documents, and take charge of juries when the court is not in session. Also bailiffs will provide general security for the courthouse and its staff. Generally the local sheriff's office provides deputy sheriffs to fill this function. The photograph above is a Alameda County Sheriff's Deputy assigned to the Bailiff/Marshal division.

Related Topics:
United States - Marshal - Juries - Deputy sheriff

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