constable
A constable is a peace officer who has minor judicial duties such as serving legal papers and arresting lawbreakers. Some states, like Georgia, allow constables to be elected by the county governing authority. Other states, like Pennsylvania, allow constables to be elected by petition. States also provide different powers and responsibilities to their constables.
For example:
- Georgia law provides that constables must attend all magistrate court sessions, pay money collected by them to the magistrate court, execute and return legal papers, etc.
- Pennsylvania law provides that constables must be attend and serve at elections, perform duties of a coroner if one is not available, arrest trespassers, etc.
[Last reviewed in June of 2021 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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