78S20229 MW-D By: Solomons H.R. No. 83R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Municipal courts provide citizens of the Lone Star State a local forum where questions of law and fact can be resolved with respect to alleged violations of state law and transgressions against municipal ordinances; and WHEREAS, Because municipal courts are the courts most routinely experienced by Texans, both adults and juveniles, they could be said to constitute the arm of government that is closest to the greatest number of people; and WHEREAS, Judges of the municipal courts function also as magistrates for the State of Texas, and in doing so perform functions including conducting inquests, issuing search and arrest warrants, giving magistrate warnings, and setting bail for offenses ranging from petty theft to capital murder; and WHEREAS, Pledging to be impartial and conform to the standards set by the Canons of Judicial Conduct, the estimated 5,000 municipal court judges and court support personnel work diligently to ensure the fair administration of justice while upholding the rigorous standards of professionalism; and WHEREAS, Municipal judges, clerks, court administrators, bailiffs, and warrant officers continually strive to improve the administration of justice through participation in judicial education programs, seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of their state and local professional organizations; and WHEREAS, It is most appropriate to recognize the accomplishments of the 870 municipal courts in Texas and salute their critical role in preserving public safety, protecting the quality of life in Texas communities, and deterring future criminal behavior; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature, 2nd Called Session, hereby recognize November 3-7, 2003, as Municipal Courts Week and encourage widespread observation of this important occasion.