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The
Louisbourg Institute of / L' Institut de Louisbourg de
Cape Breton University
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The Administration Of Justice At The Fortress Of Louisbourg (1713-1758) Huissiers ~ General Discussion Although huissier literally meant usher, in actual practice he had a power equivalent to that of a bailiff or sheriff. At Louisbourg, a huissier was the least senior of court officials, responsible for posting notices, making verbal announcements (like a crier and often accompanied by a drummer), and conducting certain events like an auction, including making preliminary announcements, indicating binding obligations and the time period allowed for payment, and perhaps even calling out and displaying of items for bidding. As a process server, he might deliver court orders, such as summonses or writs, and, if necessary, seize goods or real estate if a debtor refused to pay a debt. Other duties included reading out to a convicted prisoner his or her sentence and escorting the same to and from their fate as necessary. The huissier may even have made the initial arrest.  Support
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