Who has the authority to handle summons and subpoenas?

The authority to handle summons and subpoenas primarily lies with constables. Constables are elected officials whose roles often include serving legal documents, such as subpoenas, as part of their duties in the justice system. Their training and responsibilities encompass a variety of law enforcement functions as well as the proper execution of legal processes, which makes them essential in the handling of these documents.

While private investigators may assist in gathering information or serving legal documents, they do not typically have the same authority as constables to handle summons and subpoenas, especially in an official capacity. County clerks facilitate the administrative processes surrounding legal documents but do not serve them. Local police officers are responsible for law enforcement duties and may interact with subpoenas in a law enforcement context, but their primary function does not include the handling of these legal documents in the same manner as a constable.