SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 131
WHEREAS, Proud members of the Justices of the Peace and
Constables Association of Texas are gathering in Austin on
February 7, 2023, 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 $20,000;
justices of the peace 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;
the first known constable to serve in Texas was appointed in
1823; 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, 88th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 7, 2023, 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 Senate.
Eckhardt
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 7, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate