The bailiff in dreams signifies retribution, Karma or a backlash of some kind. Our integrity is being called into question. We have put ourselves at risk and have not fulfilled our obligations, or have not acted in an ethical manner. Unless we take responsibility for what we have done, we could be 'punished' by material loss and loss of status. When a bailiff appears in our dream, we doubt our own ability to manage our resources, both emotional and material. We are aware that we have overstepped the mark in a particular way and must be accountable to a higher authority. You may also like to consult Authority Figures in People for further clarification.