Skip to Content
Texas Justice Court Training Center

New Judges

Congratulations on your election or appointment as a Justice of the Peace! The Texas Justice Court Training Center (TJCTC) is here to support you by providing the 80 hours of required education for new judges. This page is your starting point to access resources and training information.

I've Just Been Appointed - What's Next?

Step 1 – Get Started

Complete the New Judge Form so we can create your username and password.

Step 2 – Register

Sign up for the next New Judge Program.

Step 3 – Complete Your Magistration Training

All justices of the peace must meet educational requirements related to magistrate duties. This includes: 

  • An 8-hour magistrate duties course (including a DPS course on accessing criminal history records)
  • Deadline: Within 90 days of taking office (required for all judges taking office after April 1, 2022)

Step 4 – Take Your Self-Paced Courses

Finish the New Judge Toolkit and Legal Research modules. Scroll down to find them on the New Judge Education Events page. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand FAQ List

  • The Rules of Judicial Education require that every justice of the peace complete an 80-hour course of instruction from the Texas Justice Court Training Center within one year of taking office.

    This requirement is also set by state statute (Texas Government Code §56.006) to ensure that all new justices of the peace receive comprehensive training in the duties and responsibilities of the office.

  • Judge-Elects
    If you have won the general election but will not be sworn in until January, you are still required to attend Stage I in December. This training prepares you for cases that may arise on your first day in office. Most courts can cover your lodging fee, but if there are payment issues, don’t let that stop you—TJCTC can bill your county after you are sworn in. For assistance, contact Francisco at fjp12@txstate.edu or 512.347.9927.

    Mid-Term Appointees
    If you have been appointed mid-term, you are required to attend the next program only if your appointment has been officially approved by Commissioners Court. The same lodging fee process applies as for judge-elects.

    Considering Running
    Due to grant restrictions, our 80-hour new judge seminars are only open to elected or officially appointed justices of the peace. Individuals who are only considering running for office are not eligible to attend.

  • Explore our online learning library for in-depth training on specific topics. We also offer workshops throughout the year that you are welcome to attend.

    If you’ve just been appointed, visit our New Judge Resource Page for a basic overview of justice court jurisdiction.