79R8074 MAM-F

By:  Allen of Dallas                                              H.R. No. 545



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The office of justice of the peace, originally 
created in 1362 by King Edward of England, and the office of 
constable, created in 1215 by King John of England, were two of the 
first offices established in the American colonies in 1620; and
	WHEREAS, Both offices were created by the Texas Constitution 
and serve a vital role in the delivery of county government 
responsibilities to citizens on the local level; 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 under $5,000; first 
established as "grass roots" courts in 1836, when Texas became a 
republic, they 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; they 
were first documented in Texas by Stephen F. Austin in 1823, when 
Texas was still under Mexican rule; and
	WHEREAS, The Justices of the Peace and Constables Association 
of Texas, Inc., has represented the interests of more than 4,000 
Texas justices of the peace, constables, and members of their 
staffs for nearly 50 years; and
	WHEREAS, The men and women who accept the responsibilities of 
the offices of justice of the peace and constable perform their 
duties with integrity, dedication, and required knowledge of the 
law, thereby contributing immeasurably to the justice system, the 
safety of Texans, and the peace and order of our society; and
	WHEREAS, The dedication of a special day at the Capitol to 
focus attention on these public officials heightens awareness of 
the important contributions they make benefiting citizens across 
the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize March 1, 2005, as Justices of the 
Peace and Constables Day, welcome the visiting members of the 
association to the State Capitol, and commend the justices of the 
peace and constables throughout the state for their service in 
behalf of their fellow Texans; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 
prepared for the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association 
of Texas, Inc., as an expression of high regard by the Texas House 
of Representatives.