The office of Sheriff has its origins in the 10th century; the office reached the height of its influence under the Norman kings. The Provisions of Oxford (1258) established a yearly tenure of office. The appointments and duties of the High Sheriffs in England and Wales are laid down by the Sheriffs Act 1887[2].
The serving Sheriff submits a list of names of possible future sheriffs to a tribunal which chooses three names to put to the Sovereign. The nomination is made on 12 November every year and the term of office runs from 25 March, the start of the legal year prior to 1752. No person may be appointed twice in three years unless there is no other suitable person in the county.
Responsibilities
Contemporary High Sheriffs have few genuine responsibilities and their functions are largely representational:[3][4]
- Attendance at Royal visits to the county.
- Proclamation of the accession of a new sovereign.
- They usually act as the Returning Officer for Parliamentary elections in county constituencies and see to the annual appointment of an undersheriff.
- Attendance at the opening ceremony when a High Court Judge goes on circuit.
- Execution of High Court writs.
- Appointment of under-sheriffs to act as deputies.
Most of the High Sheriff's work is delegated; for example, the local police protect Judges and Courts, so that in effect the post of High Sheriff is essentially a ceremonial post. Theoretical responsibilities include the well-being and protection of High Court Judges, and attending them in Court; and the maintenance of the loyalty of subjects to the Crown.[5]
The High Sheriff was traditionally responsible for the maintenance of law and order within the county, although most of these duties are now delegated to the professional Chief Constable of Police.[4] Nowadays, the position is frequently awarded to people with an association with law enforcement.