In any county having a population in excess of 400,000, and not having a register of deeds and mortgages, the county clerk therein may establish and maintain in his office 2 separate divisions to be known, respectively, as the court division and registry division. The county clerk may appoint a deputy county clerk for each division who shall hold such office during the pleasure of the county clerk but not beyond the term for which the county clerk is elected. The compensation of said deputy county clerks shall be fixed by the board of chosen freeholders of the county and paid by the county. The deputy county clerks before entering upon their duties shall take and subscribe an oath of office in similar form and manner as in the case of county clerks. In performing their duties the deputy clerks shall have the same powers as the county clerk.

L.1971, c. 200, s. 1, eff. July 1, 1971.