H.R. No. 1397



R 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 issuing search and arrest warrants, giving 
magistrate warnings, and setting bail for offenses ranging from 
petty theft to 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 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 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize October 31-November 4, 2005, and 
November 6-10, 2006, as Municipal Courts Week and take special note 
of the important work performed by all those associated with the 
state's municipal courts.

                                                                        Solomons

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 1397 was adopted by the House on May 
13, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House