LAWS OF MARYLAND.

105

CHAPTER 140.

Ah act relating to the appointment of Constables in this State, anil for other
purposes.
Whereas, the boundaries of hundreds throughout this state, by
vacating old roads, opening new ones, and other causes are, in a
great measure obliterated and forgotten; Therefore,

Dec. Ses. 1824

Passed Feb.
23, 1825.
Preamble.

Sec. 1 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Maryland,
That from and after the passage of this act, the justices of the
levy courts in the several counties of this state, shall at the time
heretofore fixed for the appointment of constables, appoint for the
several election districts in their respective counties, instead of
hundreds as heretofore, as many constables as they may deem
necessary, who shall, before they proceed to act in that capacity,
give bond to the state in the manner now prescribed by law;

Constables of
election dis-
tricts instead
of hundreds.

2. And be it enacted, That constables appointed under this act,
shall have full power and authority to serve and execute civil pro-
cess, and to do and perform all matters and things appertaining to
the duties of their appointment throughout the county in which
they shall respectively reside, in the same manner they are now
authorised and required to do in their respective hundreds; and
that the responsibility of said constables and the securities on
their bonds, shall be coextensive with the authority to serve and
execute process hereby given to them; Provided, that nothing
herein contained shall be so construed as to compel any constable
to serve or execute civil process beyond the limits of the election
district for which he shall be appointed.

Powers, &c.
Proviso.

3. And be it enacted, That it shall not be lawful for any justice
of the peace to put into the hands of any person as constable,
any precept, until such person shall produce to him a copy of
his bond, given within the year, approved according to law, and
authenticated by the certificate and seal of the clerk of the county.

Justices for-
bid to employ
without see-
ing bonds.

4. And be it enacted, That all constables hereafter to be ap-
pointed, instead of the oath required by law to be taken, shall
take the following; "I, A. B. do swear or affirm, as the case may
be, that I will faithfully and honestly serve in the office of con-
stable for election district, in
county, and will well and truly, according to my power, skill and
knowledge, perform and execute the duties belonging to the office
of constable, so long as I shall continue in such office, so help
me God."

Constables
oath.

5. And be it enacted, That the said levy courts shall at their
meeting on the first Monday in April next, appoint constables
agreeably to the provisions of this act, to serve until the usual
time of appointing said officers, as is now prescribed by law, who
shall before they proceed to act, in all respects comply with the
provisions of this act; any law to the contrary notwithstanding.

Appoint-
ments in A-
pril next.

6. And be it enacted, That from and after the passage of this
act, the several constables in this state shall be entitled to receive
the same fees on the appraisement and sale of goods and chattels
distrained for rent, as sheriffs are entitled to receive for similar
services; any law to the contrary notwithstanding.

Fees for dis-
traint.

7. And be it enacted, That all acts or parts of acts of assembly
that are inconsistent with or repugnant to the provisions of this act,
shall be, and the same are hereby repealed.

Repeal.