Legal Definitions - caput comitatus

CAPUT COMITATUS

Caput comitatus is a Latin term that means "head of the county." In history, it referred to the highest-ranking official in a county, who was responsible for maintaining law and order. This official was also known as a sheriff.

During medieval times, the caput comitatus was responsible for collecting taxes, enforcing laws, and maintaining order in the county. They were also responsible for organizing the local militia and defending the county against any threats.

Today, the term "sheriff" is used instead of caput comitatus, and their responsibilities have evolved to include law enforcement, maintaining jails, and serving court documents.

The examples illustrate how the caput comitatus was the highest-ranking official in a county and responsible for maintaining law and order. They were the equivalent of a modern-day sheriff, but their responsibilities were broader and included organizing the local militia and defending the county against threats.