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R E S O L U T I O N
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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, were |
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two of the first offices established in the American colonies in |
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1620; and |
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WHEREAS, Both offices were created by the Texas Constitution |
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and serve a vital role in the system of county government; and |
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WHEREAS, Justices of the peace are an integral part of the |
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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, first established as "grass roots" courts in 1836 when |
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Texas became a republic; and |
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WHEREAS, 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; the |
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first known constable to serve in Texas was appointed in 1823, when |
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Texas was still under Mexican rule; and |
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WHEREAS, The men and women who accept the responsibilities of |
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the offices of justice of the peace and constable perform the duties |
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of their office with integrity, dedication, and the required |
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knowledge of the law, thereby contributing immeasurably to the |
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justice system, the safety of the citizens of Texas, and the peace |
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and order of our society; and |
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WHEREAS, The Justices of the Peace and Constables Association |
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of Texas has represented the interests of more than 4,000 Texas |
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justices of the peace, constables, and members of their staffs for |
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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 House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 17, 2015, as Justices of the |
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Peace and Constables Day, welcome the visiting members of the |
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Justices of the Peace and Constables Association of Texas to the |
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State Capitol, and commend the justices of the peace and constables |
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for serving and protecting the citizens of Texas; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the Justices of the Peace and Constables Association |
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of Texas as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of |
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Representatives. |