SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 169
         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 and were 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 Senate of the State of Texas,
  83rd Legislature, hereby proclaim 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 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.
  Schwertner
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 11, 2013.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate