What is the role of a garnishee in legal terms?

The role of a garnishee in legal terms primarily involves the collection of debts on behalf of a creditor. This occurs in the context of a garnishment order, which is a legal mechanism allowing creditors to collect the amount owed to them directly from a third party, often an employer or a bank, that holds funds belonging to the debtor.

When a garnishment is initiated, the garnishee is the entity that is directed by the court to withhold a certain amount of money or property from the debtor to fulfill the debt obligations. This may involve, for instance, deducting wages directly from the debtor’s paycheck or freezing funds in a bank account until the court's order is satisfied.

The other options do not accurately describe the function of a garnishee. While representation in court is handled by attorneys, and possession of property typically falls under the purview of other legal processes such as repossession or foreclosure, the garnishee's responsibility is specifically tied to the process of debt collection through the garnishment process. Similarly, the act of authorizing actions by a third party is not related to the garnishee role, which is centered on debt collection rather than granting permissions or responsibilities.