Utah § 17-78-602 - Contracted constable authority and duties -- Constables to serve process in certain circumstances.

Full text of Utah Utah Code § 17-78-602 — Contracted constable authority and duties -- Constables to serve process in certain circumstances., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 17-78-602. Contracted constable authority and duties -- Constables to serve process in certain circumstances.

Effective 5/6/2026
17-78-602. Contracted constable authority and duties -- Constables to serve process in certain circumstances.

(1)

(a)

A constable who has a contract with a county as described in Section 17-78-601:

(i)

shall:

(A)	avoid all conflicts of interest; and

(B)	maintain a public office and be accessible to the public and to the court during the hours the court is open; and

(ii)	may hire one or more constables to serve as the constable's deputies.

(b)	Beginning July 1, 2027, a deputy constable shall be licensed under Title 58, Chapter 91, Constables Licensing Act.

(c)

A deputy constable acting at the direction and general control of the constable who holds a contract with a county, as described in Section 17-78-601, may fulfill any duty of a constable described in this part unless the action is limited in or specifically prohibited by the contract between the constable and the county.

(d)

A constable may contract to provide constable services with more than one county, so long as:

(i)	the constable informs each county, in writing; and

(ii)

the constable is able to fulfill all the duties for each county that are described:

(A)	in this part; and

(B)	in any contract between the constable and a county.

(2)

In cases where the sheriff is a party, or where an affidavit is filed with the clerk of the court stating partiality, prejudice, consanguinity, or interest on the part of the sheriff:

(a)	the clerk of the court shall direct process to any licensed constable; and

(b)	the constable chosen by the clerk under Subsection (2)(a) shall execute process in the same manner as if the constable were sheriff.

Amended by Chapter 130, 2026 General Session

Source: official Utah text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Utah § 17-78-602

What does Utah Code § 17-78-602 cover?

Section 17-78-602 ("Contracted constable authority and duties -- Constables to serve process in certain circumstances.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Utah § 17-78-602?

A common citation format is "Utah Code § 17-78-602" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Utah law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.

How does Utah § 17-78-602 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Official text of § 17-78-602 at the Utah source

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Utah.