General Sheriff question

[5711-Marine]

When a Sheriff is elected, does he take an oath to support and enforce the law?

If there is an oath does someone have a copy of it?

If there is not an oath is there a "job description"?

The reason I ask is that perhaps there is another way to deal with a Sheriff that substitutes his opinion for the law.

[Statkowski]

Yes, the sheriff does indeed take an oath of office when assuming the position; it's found in Article VI, Section 3 of the Pennsylvania State Constitution and reads, "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support, obey and defend the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of this Commonwealth and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity."

Can't answer regarding the job description, though.

As for the sheriff substituting his opinion for the law, the "character clause" of Section 6109 provides enough ambiguity for a whole room-full of lawyers to keep busy for the next five years.

[gbrown221]

it's a general oath. i took the same oath of office to be a notary public.

Greg

[archon]

As for the sheriff substituting his opinion for the law, the "character clause" of Section 6109 provides enough ambiguity for a whole room-full of lawyers to keep busy for the next five years.

Probably one of the most important legal victories would be to get a few appellate cases providing more guidance on the "character clause." The few that are out there are pretty vague.

It would be great to get one appellate case that simply states, "actions which do not violate the law, absent extraordinary circumstances, do not constitute cause to revoke a license to carry a firearm."

[gnbrotz]

Probably one of the most important legal victories would be to get a few appellate cases providing more guidance on the "character clause." The few that are out there are pretty vague.

It would be great to get one appellate case that simply states, "actions which do not violate the law, absent extraordinary circumstances, do not constitute cause to revoke a license to carry a firearm."

The only problem is that in order to get to that level, the lower court challenge must be lost - so it's not something we can "plan".

[MrsMtnJack]

is the oath for a pa trooper similar?

[Brillfan]

is the oath for a pa trooper similar?

PSP is probably similar to Lebanon County sheriff...."Does Not Apply"