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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 169
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WHEREAS, The office of Justice of the Peace, first |
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established in 1362 by King Edward of England, and the office of |
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Constable, first established in 1215 by King John of England, |
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were two of the first offices established in the American |
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colonies in 1620; and |
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WHEREAS, Both offices were created by the Texas |
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Constitution and serve a vital role in the delivery of county |
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government responsibilities to citizens on the local level; and |
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WHEREAS, The Justices of the Peace are an integral part of |
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the Texas judiciary; they exercise jurisdiction in criminal |
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misdemeanor cases punishable by fine or sanctions and exercise |
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civil jurisdiction in matters in controversy up to $10,000; |
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Justices of the Peace preside over those courts closest to the |
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people and were first established as "grass roots" courts in 1836 |
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when Texas became a republic; and |
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WHEREAS, The Constables serve as officers of the court as |
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bailiffs, execute civil and criminal process issued by Texas |
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courts, and enforce criminal laws as certified peace officers; |
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Constables were first documented in Texas in 1823 by Stephen F. |
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Austin when Texas was still under Mexican rule; and |
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WHEREAS, The men and women who accept the responsibilities |
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of the offices of Justice of the Peace and Constable perform the |
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duties of their office with integrity, dedication, and the |
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required knowledge of the law, thereby contributing immeasurably |
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to the justice system, the safety of the citizens of Texas, and |
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the peace and order of our society; and |
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WHEREAS, The Justices of the Peace and Constables |
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Association of Texas, Incorporated, has represented the |
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interests of more than 4,000 Texas Justices of the Peace, |
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Constables, and members of their staffs for over 60 years; and |
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WHEREAS, The dedication of a special day to focus attention |
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on the contributions of these public officials will benefit the |
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citizens of Texas; now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, |
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83rd Legislature, hereby proclaim February 26, 2013, as Justices |
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of the Peace and Constables Day, welcome the visiting members of |
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the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas, |
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Incorporated, to the State Capitol, and commend the Justices of |
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the Peace and Constables for serving and protecting the citizens |
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of Texas; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for |
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the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas, |
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Incorporated, as an expression of high regard from the Texas |
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Senate. |
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Schwertner |
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President of the Senate |
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I hereby certify that the |
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above Resolution was adopted by |
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the Senate on February 11, 2013. |
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________________________________ |
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Secretary of the Senate |
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________________________________ |
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Member, Texas Senate |