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Warning
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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Marshal
Read a random definition: Health - State statutes
A quick definition of Marshal:
A marshal is a person who has a special job to do. For example, a fire marshal makes sure that buildings follow safety rules to prevent fires. The United States Marshals Service is a group of people who help keep the country safe. They catch bad guys who are running away from the law, protect important people like judges and witnesses, and take care of people who help the government. They also take care of things that criminals have taken, like money or property. They are very important for making sure that everyone is safe and following the rules.
A more thorough explanation:
A marshal is a law enforcement officer who has specific duties. There are different types of marshals, including:
- Fire Marshal: A city law officer who supervises and coordinates firefighting activities. They inspect equipment and buildings to make sure they follow fire safety regulations.
- United States Marshals Service: A federal law enforcement agency responsible for various tasks, including:
- Judicial Security: Protecting federal judges, court officials, witnesses, jurors, and other people involved in the federal judicial process.
- Fugitive Apprehension: Helping state and local agencies find and arrest violent fugitives.
- Asset Forfeiture: Taking away property that criminals obtained through illegal activities.
- Prisoner Operations and Transportation: Housing and transporting federal prisoners until they go to a federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
- Witness Security: Protecting government witnesses and their families who are in danger because of their cooperation with the U.S. government.
Examples of how marshals carry out their duties include:
- A fire marshal might inspect a building to make sure it has working smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. They might also check that the building's electrical system is safe and that there are no fire hazards.
- A U.S. Marshal might help a local police department find a dangerous criminal who fled to another state. They might use their resources to track down the fugitive and bring them back to face trial.
- A U.S. Marshal might seize a drug dealer's expensive car and house because they were bought with money from drug sales. The marshals would then sell the property and use the money to fund law enforcement activities.
- A U.S. Marshal might transport a federal prisoner from a local jail to a federal prison. They would make sure the prisoner is safe and secure during the trip.
- A U.S. Marshal might relocate a witness and their family to a new location where they can live safely and anonymously. The witness might receive a new identity and job to start a new life.
These examples show how marshals work to keep people safe and enforce the law. They use their skills and resources to carry out their duties and protect the public.