Marshal of the Court
The Marshal of the Court, or U.S. Marshal, is a key federal law enforcement officer in the United States, originally established under the Judiciary Act of 1789 by President George Washington. U.S. Marshals have historically played a vital role in enforcing court orders, federal laws, and apprehending fugitives. Although some of these duties have been taken over by agencies like the Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, modern marshals focus primarily on the transportation and management of federal prisoners and overseeing the Witness Protection Program.
U.S. Marshals are appointed for four-year terms by the president, with appointments requiring Senate confirmation. Each of the ninety-four judicial districts in the U.S. is assigned a marshal, who operates under the supervision of the attorney general. This structure ensures that marshals are integral to the federal justice system, reflecting a longstanding tradition of law enforcement in the country. Overall, the role of the U.S. Marshal continues to evolve while maintaining its foundational responsibilities in the realm of federal law enforcement.
Subject Terms
Marshal of the Court
Definition: Officer originally intended to serve and protect judges and others in federal trials.
Significance: Some of the marshals’ early duties were assumed by the Secret Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The first thirteen U.S. Marshals were appointed by President George Washington under the Judiciary Act of 1789. The marshals’ duties originally included enforcing court orders and federal laws, capturing fugitives, and making arrests. The Secret Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation have assumed some of the former responsibilities of the marshals. Modern marshals are responsible for “transporting and assigning federal prisoners” and directing the Witness Protection Program.
Marshals are appointed to four-year terms by the president, and the appointments are conditional on Senate confirmation. The marshals are supervised by the attorney general. Each of the ninety-four judicial districts is assigned a marshal.