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Simple English definitions for legal terms
bailiwick
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A quick definition of bailiwick:
Term: BAILIWICK
Definition: A bailiwick is the area where a person with authority, like a police officer or sheriff, can enforce the law. It comes from the old English word "wick," which meant village, and "bailiff," which was a peace officer. So, a bailiwick is like a peace officer's village or territory. For example, a police officer's bailiwick is usually the city they work in, while a sheriff's bailiwick is usually the county they work in.
A more thorough explanation:
A bailiwick is the area or district over which a bailiff has jurisdiction or authority. It can also refer to the office or position of a bailiff.
For example, a police officer's bailiwick is typically the city or town in which they work. A sheriff's bailiwick is usually the county they serve, while a state trooper's bailiwick is the entire state.
The term "bailiwick" comes from the Old English word "wick," which meant village or town. In medieval times, a bailiff was a peace officer who had authority over a particular village or town, and his jurisdiction was known as his bailiwick.