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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 250
	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; 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, The 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; 
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, The Constables serve as officers of the court as 
bailiffs, execute civil and criminal processes issued by Texas courts,
and enforce criminal laws as certified peace officers; Constables
were first documented in Texas in 1823 by Stephen F. Austin when 
Texas 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 the 
duties of their office 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, The Justices of the Peace and Constables Association
of Texas, Incorporated, has represented the interests of more 
than 4,000 Texas Justices of the Peace, Constables, and members 
of their staffs for over 60 years; and
	WHEREAS, The dedication of a special day to focus attention 
on the contributions of these public officials will benefit the 
citizens of Texas; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby proclaim March 1, 2005, Justices of the Peace
and Constables Day, welcome the visiting members of the Justices 
of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas, Incorporated, 
to the State Capitol, and commend the Justices of the Peace and 
Constables for serving and protecting the citizens of Texas; and, 
be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas, 
Incorporated, as an expression of high regard from the
Texas Senate.
                                                                        Williams




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 1, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate