Congratulations on your appointment.  The office to which you are about to take has a long and colorful history. It is an office of honor, integrity, and service to the public. Your words and actions will now be the words and actions of a judge.

As you know, part of your new responsibilities include initial and ongoing judicial education. Your upcoming educational journey begins with us, The Texas Justice Court Training Center (affiliated with Texas State University-San Marcos). We will introduce you to the law, judicial ethics, legal processes, legal analysis, and how to conduct a trial. Bring your sense of fairness and a desire to learn. This is a difficult and challenging position, but we are sure you are up to the task.

Please call us immediately, if you have not already, to ensure that you have the registration materials for the New Judge's Seminar. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have enrolled and education requirements are met.

 

Newly elected Justices of the Peace are required by statute(Article 27.005 of the Texas Government Code.) to obtain, within one year of taking office, an 80-hour course in the performance of the justice's duties. The 80-hour course will be offered in three stages. Stage I will be held December 12-15, 2010. Please call the Training Center or enter your information on the New Judges Form to receive a registration packet. 

 

The Rules of Judicial Education mandate that the 80-hour course be taken from the Texas Justice Court Training Center. Your second year (20-Hour seminar) must also be obtained through the Texas Justice Court Training Center. Beginning your third year, you have additional options.