Duties

The Justice of the Peace is the legal jurisdiction closest to the average citizen.

Section 19 of Article 5 of the Texas Constitution provides that: Justice of the Peace courts have original jurisdiction in criminal matters of misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only and such other jurisdiction as may be provided by law. Original jurisdiction is the authority to accept a case at its inception, try it and pass judgment based upon the laws and facts. This is distinguished from appellate jurisdiction, which is jurisdiction to review a court's action. The Justice of the Peace performs the function of a magistrate and conducts inquests.

A Justice of the Peace may issue warrants for search and arrest, conduct preliminary hearings, administers oaths, perform marriages and serve as a coroner in counties where there is no provision for a medical examiner. The justice court also functions as a small claims court in civil matters in which exclusive jurisdiction is not in district or county court and the amount in controversy does not exceed $5,000. They can also deal with matters concerning foreclosure of mortgages and enforcement of liens on personal property.

Department Objectives

The Justice of the Peace is the very base of the Judicial Pyramid. Criminally, we have jurisdiction over Class C Misdemeanor cases with fine only. In Civil court, our jurisdiction is $5,000.00. The Justice Court Judge has jurisdiction over all eviction suits and may issue warrants for arrests plus search warrants. The Justice of the Peace's Magistrate duties include: bail settings, arraignments, peace bonds, stolen property hearings and drivers license suspension hearings. The court collects fines and fees for cases filed. The Justice of the Peace conducts inquests and is the Coroner for the County. We file Issuance of Bad Checks and hold Juvenile Detention Hearings.