Legal Definitions - bailiwick

A bailiwick is the area or district over which a bailiff has jurisdiction or authority. It can also refer to the office or position of a bailiff.

For example, a police officer's bailiwick is typically the city or town in which they work. A sheriff's bailiwick is usually the county they serve, while a state trooper's bailiwick is the entire state.

The term "bailiwick" comes from the Old English word "wick," which meant village or town. In medieval times, a bailiff was a peace officer who had authority over a particular village or town, and his jurisdiction was known as his bailiwick.