Justices of the Peace
Welcome Judges!
The Texas Justice Court Training Center is proud to work with justices of the peace from across the state of Texas. This page will provide information for education events, training requirements, and other resources. If you have recently been elected or appointed, visit our New Judge page for more information.
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Education Requirements for Justices of the Peace
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Who requires that JPs take judicial education?
Judicial education is administered by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. Click here for more information.
Justices of the Peace have yearly judicial education requirements outlined by the Court of Criminal Appeals in the Rules of Judicial Education.
All hours must be completed during the current academic year which runs from September 1st to August 31st. Hours do not roll over.
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Newly appointed or elected Judges
Newly appointed or elected judges must attend 80 hours of New Judges' training from TJCTC within one year of being sworn in. If you have been newly elected or appointed, visit our New Judge page.
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2nd Year Judges
- 2nd year non-attorney judges must attend 20 hours of training from TJCTC. (Can be both live and in-person)
- 10 of the required 20 hours must be on a civil topic.
- 2nd year attorney judges may follow the attorney guidelines below.
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Non-Attorney Judges 3rd Year and Above
- Judges are required to receive 20 hours of judicial education including 10 hours on civil courses.
- The 10 hours of civil training must be delivered by TJCTC at an in-person event.
- 10 hours of training can be through online learning.
- Your remaining hours may be obtained from an approved entity outside the Training Center. See the Rules of Judicial Education for a list of pre-approved training entities.
- Training not listed in the Rules of Judicial Education must be approved by TJCTC.
- Please send any alternative certification to be used toward your 20 hour requirement to Sarah at smm437@txstate.edu by August 31st.
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Attorney Judges
- Attorney JP's may use bar approved CLE courses towards their 20 hours after their first year. Their first year, they must attend the TJCTC 80 hour courses.
- CLE courses have to cover topics relevant to justice courts.
- Please send any alternative certifications and CLE credits to be used toward your 20 hour requirement to Sarah at smm437@txstate.edu by August 31st.
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TJCTC Policies
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What if I'm ill and cannot attend training this year?
If you are unable to attend training due to a personal or family medical issue, you may be able to get a medical wavier request that will allow you to complete all of your hours online.
Please download the JP Medical Waiver Request and send it to the Training Center by:
- Emailing the request to Jessica at jessforeman@txstate.edu
- Faxing the request to 512-347-9921
- Or mailing the request to our office at 1701 Directors Blvd, Suite 530, Austin, TX 78744
The request will be forwarded to the Justice of the Peace Education Committee for approval.
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Who is eligible to attend TJCTC training?
You must be an appointed or elected justice of the peace. Visiting judges may attend training if room is available. If you are a visiting judge and would like more information on training, please contact Laura at lv13@txstate.edu.
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I have a clerk. How can I register them on the TJCTC website?
The Judge must initiate the process to sign up a new employee for a TJCTC profile. Click here for step by step instructions.
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I have a question. Who should I contact?
Do you have a question about registering? Contact April at adw167@txstate.edu.
Do you have a question about JP education requirements? Contact Jessica at jessforeman@txstate.edu.
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How can I become a justice of the peace and can I attend training before I'm elected?
The position of justice of the peace is elected. According to the Texas Secretary of State website, the qualifications to be a justice of the peace are:
- Texas resident for at least 12 months
- District resident for at least 6 months
- 18 years of age
In order to get on the ballot, there are specific deadlines you must meet. Visit this website for more information.
TJCTC works with justices of the peace after they have been elected or appointed and cannot help with running for office. Additionally, our seminars are available only to justices of the peace currently in office, visiting judges, or justices of the peace elect.