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Sheriff
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Elected Officials

Univ. of Missouri Extension (Audrain Co. office)

Since the year 992 A.D., sheriffs have been enforcing laws, protecting citizens and enforcing the will of King and Court. It is here the powers of the sheriff originated in English Common Law which has been absorbed into American Common Law and subsequently into the Constitution of the state of Missouri.

In 1941, Walter H. Anderson, a prominent attorney of the Idaho, California and Tennessee State Bar and Supreme Court of the United States Bar, wrote A Treatise On The Law Of Sheriffs which has become the foremost legal authority on the subject of sheriffs.

Anderson states that "The Sheriff's primary obligation is to represent the sovereignty, authority, and interests of the state in his respective jurisdiction. Originally the Sheriff was the King' s man, representing the interests and authority of the King in his Shire, often controlled by noblemen not always sympathetic or loyal to the King. In preserving the rights of the government, he (the Sheriff) represents the sovereignty of the state (Missouri) and has no superior in his county.

The modern office of sheriff carries with it all of the common law powers, duties and responsibilities to preserve the peace, enforce the laws and arrest and commit to jail felons and other violators of the law. The powers and duties of the sheriff are analogous to those imposed upon police departments. The sheriff is the principle conservator of the peace within the county.”

For more information about the Audrain County Sheriff’s Office, please visit www.audrainsheriff.com (external link).