Huissier

An usher of the court; an officer who serves process. In France, an officer of this name performs many of the duties of an English sheriff or constable. In Canada, there may be many huissiers in each county, whose acts are independent of each other; while there can be but one sheriff, who is presumed cognizant of the acts of his subordinates. The French huissier certifies his process; the Canadian merely serves what is put into his hands.