The justice of the peace is
the legal jurisdiction closest to the average citizen.
Section 19 of Article 5 of the Texas Constitution provides
that: justice of the peace courts have original jurisdiction
in criminal matters of misdemeanor cases punishable by fine
only and such other jurisdiction as may be provided by law.
Original jurisdiction is the authority to accept a case at
its inception, try it and pass judgment based upon the laws
and facts. This is distinguished from appellate jurisdiction
which is jurisdiction to review a court's action. The
justice of the peace performs the functions of a magistrate
and conducts inquests.
A justice of the peace may issue warrants for search and
arrest, conduct preliminary hearings, administers oaths,
perform marriages and serve as a coroner in counties where
there is no provision for a medical examiner. 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
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