for the doing of something belonging to the exercise of its powers. Imports, ex vi termini, written authority from a competent source. Compare WARRANT, 2. (3) The body or board of persons intrusted with the performance of some public service or duty: as, to revise statutes, codify laws, fix the boundary lines between States, enforce the inter-State commerce act. The instrument evidences the fact of the appointment, q. v., and the nature and extent of the powers conferred.2 Commissioner. Such person as has a commission, letters-patent, or other lawful authority, to examine any matter or to execute any public office.3 An officer of a court, appointed to assist it in administering justice in a particular case or cases. Compare MASTER, 4. The supreme court of California appoints, and may at any time remove, three persons of legal learning and personal worth to assist the court in the performance of its duties, and in the disposition of the undetermined causes now pending. Each commissioner holds office for the term of four years, and during that period may not engage in the practice of the law. The court appoints one as chief commissioner.4 Whence C., and C. C. An officer who assists in the administration of government, being usually charged with administering the laws relating to some one department thereof: as, the commissioner of agriculture, of a circuit court, of a county, of deeds, of education, of fisheries, of the general land-office, of highways, of Indian affairs, of internal revenue, of patents, of pensions.5 See MINISTERIAL. Commissioner of bail. An officer authorized to take bail for hearings or trials before a court and jury, in cases admitting of release from confinement when the accused can furnish bail. Commissioner of the circuit courts. See under COURTS, United States. Commissioner of deeds. An officer authorized to take acknowledgments and depositions, and to probate accounts. 1 United States v. Reyburn, 6 Pet. *364 (1832). 2 Marbury v. Madison, 1 Cranch, 155 (1803); Lessee of Talbot v. Simpson, 1 Pet. C. C. 94 (1815); United States v. Vinton, 2 Sumn. 307 (1836). [Jacob's Law Dict.; 14 N. J. L. 428. Cal. Statutes, 1885, p. 161. Similar provision was made in Kansas in 1887, - Laws, c. 148; and on March 5, three commissioners were appointed by the governor, with the consent of the senate, -36 Kan. R. iii. See Index, Revised Statutes. County commissioners. See COUNTY. 3. Compensation for services rendered. The plural, commissions, is often used. A percentage on price or value.1 A sum allowed as compensation to a servant, factor, or agent, who manages the affairs of another, in recompense for his services.2 "Commission" generally signifies a percentage upon the amount of money involved in the transaction, as distinguished from "discount," which is a percentage taken from the face value of the security or property negotiated.3 A reasonable commission is allowed to administrators, assignees, auctioneers, brokers, executors, receivers, and other agents or trustees, qq. v. But the service must be completed, and due care and skill and perfect fidelity have been employed. The amount is a reasonable percentage upon the sum received or paid out, and is regulated by custom, or by the discretion of the appointing authority. Commission merchant. A factor, q. v. To intrust to; to confide in. 1. To delegate a duty to a person or perSee COMMISSION; COMMITTEE. sons. 2. To send to a place of confinement a person found to be a lunatic. May contemplate a sending without an adjudication by a court or a magistrate. See LUNACY. 3. To send to prison a person, charged with or convicted of a crime. Commitment. The act of sending an accused or convicted person to prison; also, the warrant by virtue of which the incarceration is made. "To commit" was regarded as the separate and distinct act of carrying a party to prison, after having taken him into custody by force of a warrant of commitment. Commitment, Warrant of. Written authority to commit a person to prison or custody, until a further hearing in the matter as to which he is charged can be had, or until he is discharged by due course of law; a mittimus; a committitur. Committing. Authorized to hear charges of crime, and to discharge or take bail for trial before a jury. Committing magistrate. Any (inferior) officer empowered to hear charges of crime and to commit the accused to prison or accept bail for their appearance before a higher 1 Brennan v. Perry, 7 Phila. 243 (1869). 2 [Ralston v. Kohl, 30 Ohio St. 98 (1876), Scott, J. Swift v. United States, 18 Ct. Cl. 57 (1883). Cummington v. Wareham, 9 Cush. 585 (1852). 5 [French v. Bancroft, 1 Met. 504 (1840), Shaw, C. J. See also 112 Mass. 62; 133 id. 400.