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

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 6, 2019.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate