Texas Justice of the Peace Courts

The Justice of Peace Courts are lower courts in Texas that have jurisdiction over minor criminal offenses and minor civil cases.

The Texas Constitution requires each county to establish at least one and a maximum of eight justice precincts depending on the population. Within each justice precinct, one or more justices of the peace are elected, also depending on population. There were 822 justice of the peace courts in Texas as of September 1, 2010.

Jurisdiction

"Justice courts have original jurisdiction in misdemeanor criminal cases where punishment upon conviction may be by fine only. These courts generally have exclusive jurisdiction of civil matters when the amount in controversy does not exceed $200, and concurrent jurisdiction with the county courts when the amount in controversy exceeds $200 but does not exceed $10,000."

Selection

Justices of the peace are selected in partisan elections across each of the justice precincts.

Qualifications

There are "no specific statutory or constitutional provisions" that set qualifications for justices of the peace.

See also

• Courts in Texas

External links

• Texas Justice Courts