SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 133
         WHEREAS, Proud members of the Justices of the Peace and
  Constables Association of Texas are gathering in Austin on
  February 12, 2019, for Justices of the Peace and Constables Day
  at the State Capitol; and
         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; both offices were created by the Texas
  Constitution approximately two centuries later and continue to
  serve a vital role in the system of county government; and
         WHEREAS, 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, 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;
  the first known constable to serve in Texas was appointed in
  1823, when the region 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
  their official duties 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, For more than 75 years, the Justices of the Peace
  and Constables Association of Texas has represented the interests
  of justices of the peace, constables, and members of their staffs
  across the Lone Star State, and today the organization boasts a
  membership of over 2,000; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
  Legislature, hereby recognize February 12, 2019, as Justices
  of the Peace and Constables Day at the State Capitol; and, be
  it further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  the association as an expression of high regard from the Texas
  Senate.
  Watson
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 6, 2019.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate