83R8041 KEK-F

By: Alonzo H.R. No. 523

R E S O L U T I O N

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 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, The 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; 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 House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 26, 2013, as 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 an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas, Incorporated, as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.