SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 169
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, Both offices were created by the Texas
Constitution and 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 in controversy up to $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 process 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 will benefit the
citizens of Texas; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
83rd Legislature, hereby proclaim February 26, 2013, as 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 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.
Schwertner
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 11, 2013.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate