Sheriffs

English Sheriffs

Before the Norman Conquest (1066), kings appointed county reeves who played numerous roles in the administration of royal law and policy. These were precursors to the modern American sheriff. These men administered policy in certain territories. Maintaining order, arresting and punishing criminals, serving in the military, and collecting taxes were among their duties. It was not uncommon for sheriffs to use their own money to support their offices. After the Norman Conquest, [Page 1663]as the population grew and people organized into larger governmental units, the king appointed shire, as opposed to county, reeves to manage courts, collect taxes, and maintain the peace.

As the result of becoming the king's agent, the sheriff's official power increased. Shire reeves were political appointments, and the candidate had to meet various requirements. In addition to loyalty to the king, he had to own property and reside in the shire he served. As Parliament became more powerful, counties nominated men whom Parliament would then appoint. The appointee took an oath that enumerated his duties, both administrative and legal. Among these duties were collecting taxes, serving writs, keeping the peace, and protecting the lands of the shire.

The Normans abused the English. When King John took the throne in 1199, he also abused his power. Hated by his subjects for a variety of reasons, not the least of which was excessive taxation, the sheriffs and barons revolted. John was forced to sign the Magna Carta, which mentions the office of sheriff nine times. The sheriff's power waxed and waned from 1215 until the 1500s. As local police power grew, the duties of sheriffs, who remained under the control of the Crown, became more administrative. In England today, the office of sheriff is primarily ceremonial, although sheriffs do continue to carry out administrative duties for the court.

American Sheriffs: The Colonies

In what would become the United States, the office of the sheriff evolved in a manner similar to that of its English counterpart. In early colonial history, small communities relied on their members to keep the peace, appointing constables and night watchmen only as necessary. As population grew and counties were formed, sheriffs were appointed by the king, representing both the colonial and the English governments. Duties in the colonies were similar to those in England, with perhaps more emphasis on administration than on law enforcement. The earliest record of a sheriff in the colonies is believed to be William Stone of Virginia, who took office in 1634.

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