88R11039 CJM-D
By: Eckhardt S.R. No. 131
R E S O L U T I O N
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 88th Texas 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 by the
Texas Senate.