RESPONSIBILITY
What does the Justice of the Peace Court do for you?
The JP court is not just about hearing cases for traffic tickets and juvenile issues, it is responsible for a variety of duties. The JP Court is an important part of the entire justice system.
- Hears Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only – cases found in Penal Code, Traffic Code, Education Code, Health & Safety Code, Parks & Wildlife Code, Alcohol & Beverage Code
- Hears civil cases with up to $20,000 in controversy
- Administrative actions – search warrants, destruction orders, appeals on concealed handgun permits, driver license suspensions, peace bonds, illegal lockouts, illegal towing, occupational driver’s license
- Conducts inquests (death cases)
- Performs wedding ceremonies
RESPONSIBILITY
What does the Justice of the Peace Court do for you?
The JP court is not just about hearing cases for traffic tickets and juvenile issues, it is responsible for a variety of duties. The JP Court is an important part of the entire justice system.
- Hears traffic and other Class C misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only
- Hears civil cases with up to $20,000 in controversy
- Hears landlord and tenant disputes
- Hears truancy cases
- Conducts inquests (death cases)
It is the responsibility of the JP court to:
ACT RESPONSIBLY
The courtroom is a place where objectivity and impartiality are essential. It should provide an objective and neutral legal system to the public it serves. The JP is responsible to both the victim and offender, the plaintiff and defendant, and it is essential to give a fair and equitable hearing to all involved. The JP Court should hear and weigh evidence and/or testimony from all involved sides and then apply rulings fairly, responsibly, and in accordance with the law. When appropriate, discretion should be used in mitigating circumstances so that a just resolution is achieved.
BE ACCESSIBLE AND EFFICIENT
Progress has been made in mitigating Covid 19. With that in mind, and safety protocols in place, the court should be accessible to the public not only through virtual means but also in person. The JP Court should also be available outside of traditional business hours. The JP Court should make every effort to provide equitable access to the court to all those who depend on it. Further, the JP Court should strive to be as technologically advanced as possible to make more efficient use of time and resources.
WORK EFFECTIVELY WITH OTHERS
The JP Court should work cooperatively, effectively, and professionally with the public, other courts, other agencies, and law enforcement. Working relationships are necessary to create an efficient court. The JP Court is accountable to the public it serves and to its agency partners.
ACT RESPONSIBLY
The courtroom is a place where objectivity and impartiality are essential. It should provide an objective and neutral legal system to the public it serves. The JP is responsible to both the victim and offender, the plaintiff and defendant, and it is essential to give a fair and equitable hearing to all involved. The JP Court should hear and weigh evidence and/or testimony from all involved sides and then apply rulings fairly, responsibly, and in accordance with the law. When appropriate, discretion should be used in mitigating circumstances so that a just resolution is achieved.
BE ACCESSIBLE AND EFFICIENT
Progress has been made in mitigating Covid 19. With that in mind, and safety protocols in place, the court should be accessible to the public not only through virtual means but also in person. The JP Court should also be available outside of traditional business hours. The JP Court should make every effort to provide equitable access to the court to all those who depend on it. Further, the JP Court should strive to be as technologically advanced as possible to make more efficient use of time and resources.
WORK EFFECTIVELY WITH OTHERS
The JP Court should work cooperatively, effectively, and professionally with the public, other courts, other agencies, and law enforcement. Working relationships are necessary to create an efficient court. The JP Court is accountable to the public it serves and to its agency partners.