What is a Deputy?

Deputy means a person appointed to act as a substitute or representative for another person, typically in a position of authority or responsibility. In other words, a deputy is someone who is authorized to perform the duties and exercise the powers of another person, usually a high-ranking official or leader.

For example, a sheriff's deputy is a law enforcement officer who is appointed by a sheriff to assist with the administration of justice in a particular county or jurisdiction. Similarly, a deputy mayor is a person who is appointed to act as a representative of the mayor and to help manage the affairs of a city or town.

In some cases, a deputy may be appointed to act as a stand-in for a higher-ranking official, such as a governor or president, when that official is unable to perform their duties. In this sense, a deputy is essentially a substitute leader who is authorized to exercise the same powers and perform the same functions as the higher-ranking official.