Justice of the Peace Info

Under the Constitution of the Republic of Texas and the constitutions of 1845 and 1861, two justices of the peace were elected biennially from each militia captain's precinct. The Constitution of 1866 lengthened the term to four years. The Constitution of 1869 provided for five justices of the peace elected from precincts for four-year terms. The Constitution of 1875 provided that every Texas county was to be divided into not less than four nor more than eight justice of the peace precincts and that a justice of the peace be elected biennially from each such precinct. A constitutional amendment in 1954 extended the term of office to four years. Today Ellis County is divided into four Justice of the Peace precincts with Precinct 4 located in the northwest corner of the county. This covers all of Midlothian and Ovilla along with parts of Grand Prairie, Mansfield, Cedar Hill, Red Oak and Waxahachie (click to view map).

 The justice of the peace is the legal jurisdiction closest to the average citizen. Justice of the peace courts have original jurisdiction in criminal matters of misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only. A justice of the peace may:

• Issue warrants for search and arrest
• Conduct preliminary hearings
• Administer oaths
• Perform marriages

 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 $20,000.