SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 133
WHEREAS, Proud members of the Justices of the Peace and
Constables Association of Texas are gathering in Austin on
February 12, 2019, for Justices of the Peace and Constables Day
at the State Capitol; and
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; both offices were created by the Texas
Constitution approximately two centuries later and continue to
serve a vital role in the system of county government; 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 up to $10,000;
justices of the peace preside over those courts closest to the
people, first established as "grass roots" courts in 1836 when
Texas became a republic; 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;
the first known constable to serve in Texas was appointed in
1823, when the region 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
their official duties 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, For more than 75 years, the Justices of the Peace
and Constables Association of Texas has represented the interests
of justices of the peace, constables, and members of their staffs
across the Lone Star State, and today the organization boasts a
membership of over 2,000; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 12, 2019, as Justices
of the Peace and Constables Day at the State Capitol; and, be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the association as an expression of high regard from the Texas
Senate.
Watson
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 6, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate