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 ]
Wex