The tipstaff and crier are executive officers of the Court of Appeals—­that is, they execute or carry out certain orders of the court.  In some places a sheriff’s officer is called a tipstaff, the name being derived from the custom of such officers bearing a staff tipped with metal.

Criers sometimes are appointed for other courts besides the Court of Appeals.  The name is derived from the practice of proclaiming or crying out in court the commands or orders of the judge.

Sheriff.

The Sheriff is the executive officer of the Circuit Court, and of the Circuit and Chancery Courts of the city of Richmond; the City Sergeant is the executive officer of the Corporation Courts and Circuit Courts held for cities, and the Hustings Court for the city of Richmond; the Constable is the executive officer of the Justice’s Court.

Though the sheriff is an officer of the courts, he is more particularly a county officer.  His principal duties will, therefore, be found set forth and explained under County Officers (see page 74).  The city sergeant is also a court officer, but his duties are limited to cities.  They are stated and explained under Government of Cities and Towns.  The duties of the constable, who is a magisterial district officer, are explained under District Organization.

Commonwealth’s Attorney.

Elected by the people at the general election in November for a term of four years; must reside in the county or corporation for which he is elected; shall hold no other elective office.  Salary, allowance by the Board of Supervisors and fees.

Duties.  Gives legal advice to the county and district officers, and prosecutes criminals in the Circuit and Corporation Courts.

For Board of Supervisors, see page 82.

Legal advice is advice on matters of law.  The commonwealth’s attorney prosecutes criminals—­that is, he attends in court and makes the charge, or states the case, and examines witnesses, against persons charged with crime.

A witness is a person who tells on oath, in answer to questions, what he knows about the crime charged against the accused, or about the facts in a civil case or process. (See civil process and perjury, page 21.)

Attorney-at-Law.

Must hold license granted by any three or more judges of the Supreme Court of Appeals acting together under such rules and regulations and upon such examination both as to learning and character as may be prescribed by the said Court; must be a male citizen over the age of twenty-one years; must have resided in the State six months preceding application for a license; and must qualify before the Court in which he proposes to practice.

An attorney-at-law is a person legally qualified and licensed to act as attorney.  A person not a lawyer might be called an attorney if appointed to do any business on behalf of another, but to be an attorney-at law a person must be qualified as stated in the text.  (See under Attorney-General, page 29.) A license is a permission to perform certain acts.  It is usually in writing, and is issued by persons having legal authority to do so.