By Cyrus Harreld Karraker

Comparative Study: The document explores the role of the sheriff in 17th-century England and the Chesapeake colonies (Virginia and Maryland), highlighting similarities and differences.

Research Challenges: It discusses the difficulty in researching English and colonial records, noting the scattered and incomplete nature of sources.

Sheriff's Duties: The sheriff's responsibilities included court service, financial duties, and maintaining peace. The role was influenced by local conditions andevolved differently in the colonies.

Historical Context: The study emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and institutional background to fully grasp the development of local government in the colonies.

University of North Carolina Press, 1930, 219 pages