Former role of the NSW Sheriff

The colonial records of New South Wales state that in 1824 the duties of the Sheriff were to:

• execute all the judgments, decrees and orders of the Supreme Court
• carry out the death sentence in criminal cases
• carry out minor sentences passed by the court in criminal cases 
• discharge the duties of the Coroner
• act as the Marshal of the Admiralty
• arrange for the transfer of prisoners under sentence to 'iron gangs' in the interior, Goat Island and the streets of Sydney
• run the gaols
• arrange the reception and disposal of prisoners returned from penal settlements.

Many of these duties have disappeared over the years, in particular responsibility for carrying out death sentences as the death penalty was abolished in Australia.

The NSW Sheriff’s Office no longer runs gaols, which are now controlled by Corrective Services NSW, nor do they act as coroners, as this is the special responsibility of the Coroner's Court.

Today, the NSW Sheriff’s Office  has broad responsibility for enforcing the civil law of New South Wales, as well as providing court security and running the jury system.