A court officer responsible for maintaining order in the courtroom, escorting prisoners, serving legal papers, and carrying out court orders. Bailiffs ensure courtroom security and proper legal procedures.
From Old French 'baillif,' meaning 'steward' or 'administrator,' derived from 'bailler' (to deliver or hand over). Originally referred to a feudal administrator who managed estates, the role evolved to encompass court administration and law enforcement.
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