Public officer
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Case Law, U.S. Code, Ballentine's (1916)
Definitions from Case Law
From 52 U.S. 362 - George Parks Administrator of Samuel Parks v. John Ross · 1850Most cited · 99 citing opinions
Now, it is an established rule of law, that an agent who contracts in the name of his principal is not liable to suit on such contract; much less a public officer, acting for his government. As regards him the rule is, that he is not responsible on any contract he may make in that capacity; and wherever his contract or engagement is connected with a subject fairly within the scope of his authority, it shall be intended to have been made officially, and in his public character, unless the contrary appears by satisfactory evidence of an absolute and unqualified engagement to be personally liable.
United States Code
28 U.S.C. § 1869 — for purposes of this chapter
“public officer” shall mean a person who is either elected to public office or who is directly appointed by a person elected to public office;
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916