“Constitutional Sheriffs”: America’s Favorite Made-Up Job Title

Welcome to the Wild West of Make-Believe, where a growing number of county sheriffs are declaring themselves the “supreme legal authority” — more powerful than the President, Congress, the courts, and, apparently, common sense.

These self-described “constitutional sheriffs” (often part of or inspired by the Constitutional Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association, or CSPOA) claim they have the right — no, the duty — to ignore any law they personally think is unconstitutional.

You know, just like it says absolutely nowhere in the U.S. Constitution.

Let’s break down this bizarre fantasy, then hold it up next to reality — the real Constitution — and let the nonsense speak for itself.

CLAIM: “Sheriffs are the top constitutional authority in the county.”

REALITY: The Constitution Doesn’t Even Mention Sheriffs

The U.S. Constitution never says a single word about sheriffs, police, or law enforcement. Not one. Zilch. Nada.

Why? Because the Founders left “police powers” to the states — through the 10th Amendment, which says powers not given to the federal government go to the states or the people.

That means states decide how to run law enforcement. Some elect sheriffs. Some appoint them. All of them are subject to state law. And none of them get to play Constitution cosplay with a badge and a cowboy hat.

CLAIM: “Sheriffs can refuse to enforce laws they disagree with.”

REALITY: That’s Not Heroism — That’s Dereliction of Duty

Sheriffs are law enforcement officers — not judges, not legislators, not a one-man Supreme Court. Their job is to enforce laws passed by elected officials and interpreted by courts.

If a sheriff believes a law is unconstitutional, there’s a process for that: it’s called suing, not sulking and refusing to do your job.

Their version of “constitutional duty” looks more like:

“I took an oath to uphold the Constitution, and by that, I mean my personal version I pieced together from a Facebook meme and a YouTube rabbit hole.”

CLAIM: “Federal laws don’t apply in my county.”

REALITY: Say Hello to the Supremacy Clause

Let’s introduce these guys to Article VI of the Constitution, better known as the Supremacy Clause:

“This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States… shall be the supreme Law of the Land.”

Translation: Federal law > state law > county sheriff. There is no legal black hole where sheriffs get to say “no thanks” to laws they don’t like.

Refusing to enforce federal laws is not an act of liberty — it’s an act of legal illiteracy.

CLAIM: “I don’t enforce gun laws, land laws, COVID restrictions, or elections stuff because freedom.”

REALITY: You’re Not a Freedom Fighter — You’re a Liability With a Badge

Let’s be clear: Most “constitutional sheriffs” cherry-pick which laws they want to ignore — almost always federal gun laws, environmental protections, public health mandates, or election protocols.

They’re not applying constitutional rigor. They’re applying political bias, dressed up in patriot cosplay.

If you’re ignoring federal law to help spread COVID, arm militias, or tamper with elections — guess what? You’re not protecting liberty. You’re endangering democracy.

MOCKERY ROUNDUP: Greatest Hits

• “I’m the highest law in the land — within my jurisdiction of 36,000 people and one Waffle House.”

• “The Founding Fathers clearly intended for sheriffs to be above the Supreme Court.” [Spoiler: They didn’t. They didn’t even mention you.]

• “I swore an oath to the Constitution, which means I interpret it however I want.”

  [No, that’s not how oaths OR constitutions work.]

THE HARD TRUTH

Constitutional Sheriffs: The Actual Constitution Says:

Made-up authority based A legal framework written in
on vibes and bravado                       1787, still binding

Thinks county > country Says federal law is supreme

Refuses laws they don’t like Enforces laws as written and
interpreted by courts

Invents powers out of thin air Lists powers explicitly and delegates
others to the states

Wants to be king of the county Is an elected official bound by law
and oversight

FINAL WORD

The “constitutional sheriff” movement is a fantasy—a mixture of political posturing, historical revisionism, and badge-fueled ego trips. The real Constitution doesn’t grant county sheriffs veto power over federal law, or the right to be the last word in American governance.

They’re not defenders of liberty. They’re just lawless local officials with a flair for cosplay and a deep misunderstanding of civics.

If you want to uphold the Constitution? Start by reading it.