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judges for the different kinds of business. Sometimes the territory called judicial district, over which a judge holds court, is greater than the county, but never less. In large cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburg there are several judges having concurrent jurisdiction, whose work is divided among them in accordance with the special provisions of the Constitution. So the judge is not, strictly speaking, a county officer, but is classed as such for convenience. The courts are named Court of Common Pleas, Orphans' Court, Court of Quarter Sessions, and Court of Oyer and Terminer.

In the Court of Common Pleas are tried all civil actions which grow out of breaches of contract, and the like. These are called civil cases.

Orphans' Court, in some States called Probate Court (with a special judge), hears all matters relating to the settlement of estates, appointment of guardians, etc., which cannot be settled by the register of wills. Whenever a population of 150,000 is reached in any county the legislature shall establish a separate Orphans' Court.

Court of Quarter Sessions of the Peace hears all cases of a criminal character, except such as are named in the law as coming under the jurisdiction of the higher criminal court.

The Court of Oyer and Terminer and General Jail Delivery tries all higher criminal cases, such as treason against the commonwealth, murder, robbery, arson, and the like. In these cases, this court has

exclusive jurisdiction, while it may also try all kinds of criminal cases as well as such as are sent up by the Court of Quarter Sessions

The judge also holds a special session of the Court of Quarter Sessions sometimes called License Court, in which are heard the claims of persons who apply for license to sell liquors.

Courts convene, usually, four times a year. The time for the opening of the different sessions varies in different districts, and is fixed by the rules established by the judges thereof, and the sessions continue until the docket is cleared, or the judge adjourns court. These sessions are usually named after the months, as January or February term, May term, August or September term, etc. Where the same judge presides at all courts, he can hear common pleas or criminal cases at any time, at his pleasure.

CHAPTER XVII.

COUNTY OFFICERS.

He

The Sheriff is the guardian of the peace of the county, and executes the orders of the courts. is elected at a general election of county officers, for three years, and cannot succeed himself. His compensation is paid in the form of fees, which are collected from the parties having business with him, and are fixed by law in the same manner as that of constable. He can execute the decrees of the court

same.

in any other county, but may not go into another State for this purpose except by permission of the governor thereof. He seizes the property of delinquent debtors on order from the court and sells the From the proceeds of the sale he deducts the debt and the expenses of the sale, and returns to the owner of the property any balance there may be. He serves all papers of the court, has the care of county prisons and prisoners. He issues election proclamations, and must maintain the peace of the county, and if necessary may summon the posse comitatus,* and in extreme cases call on the governor and president for militia or military assistance. Such a case was that of the riot at Homestead in 1892, when several regiments were ordered out to keep the peace. From the nature of the business he often has large sums of money in his possession, in consequence of which he is required to give heavy bonds to the court for the faithful performance of his duty. His salary is either a fixed salary or a certain percentage or fees, as before stated. His office must

be at the county seat.

The County Coroner is an officer elected for three years, whose duty is to hold inquisition, or coroner's inquest," over the body of any person who has died a violent death, or who died while a prisoner. He summons a jury of bystanders to assist,

Posse comitatus-literally, to have the power of the county. People called to the assistance of the sheriff whenever he is resisted, and unable to execute the orders of the court, or to suppress riot or lawlessness within the territory over which he has authority.

called the coroner's jury. He takes the testimony of any persons who may know anything about the circumstances surrounding the death, and then the jury, usually consisting of six persons, brings in a verdict, setting forth the cause of the death, if the cause can be determined. His duties are of considerable importance to society. He serves as sheriff in cases where the regular officer is a party, and in case of death or other disability he becomes sheriff. Compensation consists of fees fixed by law. cities the coroner is paid a salary ranging from $500 to $5,000 a year.

In

CHAPTER XVIII.

COUNTY OFFICERS (Continued).

Jury Commissioners are elected for three years, and receive $2.50 a day for their services. They, together with the judge, make up the lists of jurors from which the various juries are drawn. They have charge of the jury wheel, a device used in Pennsylvania for the impartial drawing of names of "sober, intelligent, and judicious" persons to serve as jurors in the various county courts.

The District Attorney is elected for three years, at the general election. It is his duty to prosecute all persons charged with crime or offense against the law, who are brought before the court for trial. acts for the county in all cases in which its interests

He

are affected, unless the county commissioners have an attorney of their own. His compensation is made up of fees fixed by law, and is paid by the parties as assessed by the court or juries, or in default, by the county.

His

The Clerk of Courts is the recording officer of the court. He also is elected for three years. He keeps the records of business of the court and issues most of the legal papers used in the trial of causes. seal proves the genuineness of any legal paper. His salary consists of certain fees collected for the issuance of legal papers, etc.

The Prothonotary is the clerk of the Common Pleas Court. This is also an office of record. He issues all summonses and other processes in civil actions, enters all decrees of the court and issues all executions for their enforcement. All judgments are recorded here. He is paid by means of fees fixed by law.

The Register of Wills performs many of the duties of a probate court, takes all initiatory steps in the settlement of estates, recording of wills, and appointment of administrators and the like. In such matters he is not subject to the Orphans' Court, which has reference to final settlements, appointment of guardians, and the like. He is elected for three years, and is paid by fees collected of parties having business with him.

The Recorder of Deeds has charge of all records of the transfers of real estate, copies all deeds and mort

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