JACKSON, Miss. – Sheriffs in Mississippi have the authority over bailiffs and the power to assign bailiffs to local courts. That was affirmed Thursday by the Mississippi Supreme Court, throwing out orders issued in 1996 by Circuit Judge Tomie Green that gave the circuit court authority to hire bailiffs, set their salaries, and schedule when they work.
The order came into question after Hinds County Sheriff Tyrone Lewis had a dispute with Green over assigning bailiffs.
The court also ruled that bailiffs also qualify as law enforcement officers.
