82R9785 JEN-D
By: Lucio III H.R. No. 515
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The office of justice of the peace, originally
created in 1362 by King Edward of England, and the office of
constable, created in 1215 by King John of England, were two of the
first offices established in the American colonies in 1620; and
WHEREAS, Both offices were created by the Texas Constitution
and play a vital role in the delivery of county government services;
and
WHEREAS, Justices of the peace are an integral part of the
Texas judiciary; they exercise jurisdiction in criminal
misdemeanor cases punishable by fine or sanctions and exercise
civil jurisdiction in matters in controversy under $10,000; first
established as "grass roots" courts in 1836, when Texas became a
republic, they preside over those courts closest to the people; and
WHEREAS, Constables serve as officers of the court as
bailiffs, execute civil and criminal process issued by Texas
courts, and enforce criminal laws as certified peace officers; they
were first documented in Texas by Stephen F. Austin in 1823, when
Texas was still under Mexican rule; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1945, the Justices of the Peace and
Constables Association of Texas represents the interests of Texas
justices of the peace and constables, as well as their clerks and
deputies; and
WHEREAS, The men and women who accept the responsibilities of
the offices of justice of the peace and constable contribute
immeasurably to the justice system, the safety of Texans, and the
peace and order of our society, and the dedication of a special day
at the Capitol to focus attention on these public officials
heightens awareness of the important contributions they make
benefiting citizens across the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be
it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 22, 2011, as Justices of the
Peace and Constables Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the association as an expression of high regard from
the Texas House of Representatives.