81R6585 SKA-D
By: Solomons H.R. No. 257
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Municipal courts provide citizens of the Lone Star
State with a local forum where questions of law and fact can be
resolved in regard to alleged violations of state law and municipal
ordinances; and
WHEREAS, Because citizens come into contact with municipal
courts more than any other courts, the public impression of the
Texas judicial system is largely dependent on their experience
there; and
WHEREAS, Judges of the municipal courts function also as
magistrates for the State of Texas, and in that role they perform
such duties as issuing search and arrest warrants, giving
magistrate warnings, and setting bail for offenses ranging from
petty theft to murder; and
WHEREAS, Pledging to be impartial and to conform to the
standards set by the Canons of Judicial Conduct, the estimated
6,000 employees of municipal courts work diligently to ensure the
fair administration of justice while upholding the rigorous
standards of professionalism; and
WHEREAS, Municipal judges, clerks, court administrators,
bailiffs, and warrant officers continually strive to improve the
administration of justice through participation in judicial
education programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of
their state and local professional organizations; and
WHEREAS, Municipal courts in Texas play a vital role in
preserving public safety, protecting the quality of life for area
residents, and deterring future criminal behavior, and it is indeed
fitting to recognize municipal judges and court support personnel
for their exemplary dedication to the communities they serve; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize November 2-6, 2009, as Municipal
Courts Week and take special note of the important work performed by
all those associated with the state's municipal courts.