Deputy
What Is a Deputy?
A deputy is an individual who is authorized by an official to act in place of another. When someone appoints another person to exercise the rights of an office, the word can take on an action in the form of the verb "deputize."
The specifics of the deputy definition can vary depending on the country where you are located.
Deputy Meaning: US vs. UK
It is important to note that the meaning of deputy differs in the US and in the UK. Let’s look at both cases.
Deputies in the US
In the United States, a deputy is a law enforcement officer working for a county sheriff's office. The person also is called a deputy sheriff or sheriff's deputy.
A sheriff is an elected law enforcement officer who serves a typical term of four years. A deputy sheriff is appointed to work under the sheriff to enforce local, state, and federal laws within their jurisdiction.
Deputies may have duties determined for specific purposes. For example, a special deputy may be appointed for the purpose of keeping the peace during a riot.
Typical duties of a Deputy Sheriff (US) include:
- Apprehending, arresting, and detaining criminal suspects and violators of the law
- Following proper procedures when making arrests.
- Serving warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil, and other official papers.
- Serving as a witness and providing evidence in court
Courtroom deputies in the US ensure the business of the court happens in a timely and efficient manner. Some of a courtroom deputy's duties are:
- Recording and logging court proceedings
- Coordinating the setup of the courtrooms
- Managing and organizing exhibits used in the proceedings
- Keeping judges informed of case progress
- Supporting the judge in jury selection
- Scheduling court reporters and interpreters
- Answering questions from the judge and the public
- Maintaining contact with counsel during jury deliberations
- Advising the jury clerk about case requirements
Deputies in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the definition of deputy is different. According to Deputy Order (UK), a deputy in the UK is someone whom the court appoints to make legal decisions on behalf of another individual.
For example, a UK deputy may make decisions about another person's property or their personal welfare when the other party cannot make those decisions on their own. Someone may need a deputy when they are incapacitated due to one or more of the following limitations:
- Severe brain injury
- Illness
- Dementia
- Severe learning disabilities
In some cases, the deputy is only needed for the time a certain decision has to be made. In other words, the deputy may not be required on a long-term basis, only when the person is incapacitated.
There are two types of deputies in the UK: a property and financial affairs deputy and a personal welfare deputy. Both make decisions that are in the other person's best interests. Some deputies serve in one or the other capacity, while others serve in both.
- A property and financial affairs deputy may pay someone's bills, organize their pension, and perform other duties to get the incapacitated individual's financial affairs in order.
- A personal welfare deputy makes decisions on someone's medical treatment and living arrangements.
Helpful Resources:
United States Courts - Court Administration and Services Careers
What Is a Deputy?
A deputy is an individual who is authorized by an official to act in place of another. When someone appoints another person to exercise the rights of an office, the word can take on an action in the form of the verb "deputize."
The specifics of the deputy definition can vary depending on the country where you are located.
Deputy Meaning: US vs. UK
It is important to note that the meaning of deputy differs in the US and in the UK. Let’s look at both cases.
Deputies in the US
In the United States, a deputy is a law enforcement officer working for a county sheriff's office. The person also is called a deputy sheriff or sheriff's deputy.
A sheriff is an elected law enforcement officer who serves a typical term of four years. A deputy sheriff is appointed to work under the sheriff to enforce local, state, and federal laws within their jurisdiction.
Deputies may have duties determined for specific purposes. For example, a special deputy may be appointed for the purpose of keeping the peace during a riot.
Typical duties of a Deputy Sheriff (US) include:
- Apprehending, arresting, and detaining criminal suspects and violators of the law
- Following proper procedures when making arrests.
- Serving warrants, summonses, subpoenas, civil, and other official papers.
- Serving as a witness and providing evidence in court
Courtroom deputies in the US ensure the business of the court happens in a timely and efficient manner. Some of a courtroom deputy's duties are:
- Recording and logging court proceedings
- Coordinating the setup of the courtrooms
- Managing and organizing exhibits used in the proceedings
- Keeping judges informed of case progress
- Supporting the judge in jury selection
- Scheduling court reporters and interpreters
- Answering questions from the judge and the public
- Maintaining contact with counsel during jury deliberations
- Advising the jury clerk about case requirements
Deputies in the UK
In the United Kingdom, the definition of deputy is different. According to Deputy Order (UK), a deputy in the UK is someone whom the court appoints to make legal decisions on behalf of another individual.
For example, a UK deputy may make decisions about another person's property or their personal welfare when the other party cannot make those decisions on their own. Someone may need a deputy when they are incapacitated due to one or more of the following limitations:
- Severe brain injury
- Illness
- Dementia
- Severe learning disabilities
In some cases, the deputy is only needed for the time a certain decision has to be made. In other words, the deputy may not be required on a long-term basis, only when the person is incapacitated.
There are two types of deputies in the UK: a property and financial affairs deputy and a personal welfare deputy. Both make decisions that are in the other person's best interests. Some deputies serve in one or the other capacity, while others serve in both.
- A property and financial affairs deputy may pay someone's bills, organize their pension, and perform other duties to get the incapacitated individual's financial affairs in order.
- A personal welfare deputy makes decisions on someone's medical treatment and living arrangements.
Helpful Resources:
United States Courts - Court Administration and Services Careers