88R11039 CJM-D
 
  By: Eckhardt S.R. No. 131
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Proud members of the Justices of the Peace and
  Constables Association of Texas are gathering in Austin on
  February 7, 2023, 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 $20,000;
  justices of the peace preside over those courts closest to the
  people; 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; 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 88th Texas Legislature
  hereby recognize February 7, 2023, as Justices of the Peace and
  Constables Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for the association as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas Senate.