84R12508 WG-D
	By: Smithee	H.R. No. 1143

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Municipal courts provide citizens of the Lone Star
	State with a local forum where questions of law and fact can be
	resolved in regard to alleged violations of state law and municipal
	ordinances; and
	WHEREAS, Because citizens come into contact with municipal
	courts more than any other courts, the public impression of the
	Texas judicial system is largely dependent on their experience
	there; and
	WHEREAS, Judges of the municipal courts function also as
	magistrates for the State of Texas, and in that role they perform
	such duties as issuing search and arrest warrants, giving
	magistrate warnings, and setting bail for offenses ranging from
	petty theft to murder; and
	WHEREAS, Pledging to be impartial and to conform to the
	standards set by the Canons of Judicial Conduct, the estimated
	6,000 employees of municipal courts work diligently to ensure the
	fair administration of justice while upholding the rigorous
	standards of professionalism; and
	WHEREAS, Municipal judges, clerks, court administrators,
	prosecutors, juvenile case managers, bailiffs, and warrant
	officers continually strive to improve the administration of
	justice through participation in judicial education programs,
	seminars, workshops, and the annual meetings of their state and
	local professional organizations; and
	WHEREAS, Municipal courts in Texas play a vital role in
	preserving public safety, protecting the quality of life for area
	residents, and deterring future criminal behavior, and it is indeed
	fitting to recognize municipal judges and court support personnel
	for their exemplary dedication to the communities they serve; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
	Legislature hereby recognize November 7-11, 2016, as Municipal
	Courts Week and take special note of the important work performed by
	all those associated with the state's municipal courts.