Sara Duterte, the mayor of Davao City in the southern Philippines, repeatedly punched the court official, Abe Andres, in the face after he refused to delay the demolition of a slum area.
The attack came during an operation that was marred by clashes between residents and police.
The mayor's actions were filmed by a TV crew and shown on national television.
She said she had wanted the demolition delayed so she could persuade residents to leave peacefully.
The TV footage showed Duterte calmly beckoning the sheriff towards her before punching him twice in the face, before he was restrained by the mayor's aides.
Mr Andres was subsequently taken to hospital, local TV network ABS-CBN reported.
The incident is being investigated by the interior ministry.
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