VPRS 14528 Outward Letter Books

The Sheriff of the Supreme Court is responsible for the enforcement and execution of Supreme Court Writs and Orders and the control and direction of civil warrants. Bailiffs from the Sheriff's Office executed writs in Melbourne and in the major court districts. In country Victoria, including remote areas the senior police constable was the official bailiff and was charged to execute writs.Letters written by the Sheriff's Office include demands for insolvency, application for legal assistance for prisoner on capital charge, exemption from jury duty, estimate of yearly revenue, instruction to newly appointed bailiffs, death sentences commuted, returns (form not included) of criminals executed, applicant for executioner, fees and mileage paid to bailiffs, history of bailiffs fees. Fees for jurors are interspersed throughout the letter book.Outwards letter book dated 1925 - 1926 was not included in the transfer.