A term which conjures up countless western movies in which lean and hardened heroes confront the badmen. The American sheriffs are the chief executive officers of the counties, whose duties are to maintain peace, guard prisoners, serve processes, and...

Sheriff is both a political and a legal office held under English common law, Scots law or U.S. common law, or the person who holds such office. The term "sheriff" originates from the older office position of "shire...