About Us
The Justice of the Peace is elected for a term of four years from each
Justice Precinct in the county (a precinct may have more than one Justice
of the Peace). The Justice of the Peace is the presiding officer of
the justice court and the small claims court. The Justice of the
Peace has jurisdiction over minor misdemeanor offenses (class C), and in
civil matters where the amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000.
A variety of civil processes, as well as arrest and search warrants, can
be issued by the Justice of the Peace. The Justice of the Peace also
sits as judge of the small claims courts, in actions for the recovery of
money, which does not exceed $10,000.
The Justice of the Peace may also preside over hearings pertaining to
suspension of drivers licenses and conduct other hearings and
inquest. The Justice of the Peace may conduct marriage ceremonies
and serves as ex officio notary public for the precinct. In
addition, the Justice of the Peace has administrative and financial duties
concerning the keeping of expense reports, records and fees. |
