Justices of the Peace

Regarding COVID-19 and Civil Cases


Duties and Responsibilities

A justice of the peace has the authority to:

  • Administer oaths 
  • Conduct preliminary hearings
  • Issue warrants for search and arrest 
  • Serve as a coroner in counties where there is no provision for a medical examiner 
  • Serve as an administrative court judge for a variety of miscellaneous court procedures
  • Serve as a trial court judge for Class C misdemeanors

Civil Suits

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 $10,000. This also includes eviction suits.

Online Help

Precincts

There are four justice of the peace precincts:

Justices of the Peace 2019