Bullitt County History

An Act Regarding Justices of the Peace Who Become Sheriffs

In 1801, the General Assembly approved an act clarifying the relationship between sheriffs and justices of the peace. We have transcribed this act below.


The Statute Law of Kentucky by William Littell, Esquire, Volume II, pages 447-8; 1810

Chapter CCCLV.
An ACT concerning Justice of the Peace who may accept the office of Sheriff or Coroner.

Approved December 18, 1801

WHEREAS it is represented to this present general assembly, that doubts have arisen, whether or not a justice of the peace who may accept the office of sheriff, is entitled to his seat in the county court after the expiration of his office as sheriff: for explanation thereof,

Sec.1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, That all justices of the peace who shall accept of the office of sheriff, shall be disqualified from holding or exercising the office of a justice of the peace, unless re-commissioned agreeable to the constitution.

Sec.2. And be it further enacted, That no person while he holds the office of a justice of the peace, or of the court of quarter sessions, shall be capable of acting. as a coroner in any county within this commonwealth.

This act shall be in force from its passage.


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The Bullitt County History Museum, a service of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is located in the county courthouse at 300 South Buckman Street (Highway 61) in Shepherdsville, Kentucky. The museum, along with its research room, is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Saturday appointments are available by calling 502-921-0161 during our regular weekday hours. Admission is free. The museum, as part of the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, is a 501(c)3 tax exempt organization and is classified as a 509(a)2 public charity. Contributions and bequests are deductible under section 2055, 2106, or 2522 of the Internal Revenue Code. Page last modified: 12 Jan 2024 . Page URL: bullittcountyhistory.org/bchistory/justices-sheriffs .html