SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 331
WHEREAS, The office of justice of the peace, first
established in 1362 by King Edward of England, and the office of
constable, first established in 1215 by King John of England,
were two of the first offices established in the American
colonies in 1620; and
WHEREAS, In Texas, both offices were created by the Texas
Constitution, and they serve a vital role in the delivery of
county government responsibilities to citizens on the local
level; and
WHEREAS, The 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 of controversy under $10,000;
justices of the peace preside over those courts closest to the
people and were first established as "grass roots" courts in 1836
when Texas became a republic; and
WHEREAS, The constables serve as officers of the court as
bailiffs, execute civil and criminal processes issued by Texas
courts, and enforce criminal laws as certified peace officers;
constables were first documented in Texas in 1823 by Stephen F.
Austin when Texas was still under Mexican rule; and
WHEREAS, The men and women who accept the responsibilities
of the offices of justice of the peace and constable perform the
duties of their office with integrity, dedication, and the
required knowledge of the law, thereby contributing immeasurably
to the justice system, the safety of the citizens of Texas, and
the peace and order of our society; and
WHEREAS, The Justices of the Peace and Constables
Association of Texas, Incorporated, has represented the
interests of more than 4,000 Texas justices of the peace,
constables, and members of their staffs for over 60 years; and
WHEREAS, The dedication of a special day to focus attention
on the contributions of these public officials to our state is
appropriate and will enlighten the public as to their role in our
judicial system; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby proclaim February 22, 2011, Justices of the
Peace and Constables Day, welcome the visiting members of the
Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas,
Incorporated, to the State Capitol, and commend the justices of
the peace and constables of our state for serving and protecting
the citizens of Texas; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the
Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas,
Incorporated, as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
Williams
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 22, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate