How to Become a Justice of Peace in Tarrant County, Texas

In Texas, Justices of the Peace are elected to office for four-year terms.

Justices of the Peace in Tarrant County serve as trial court judges in civil lawsuits. The three types of civil suits they hear are evictions, civil justice and small claims. Justices of the Peace can also act as judges in some misdemeanors and can be administrative judges in different court procedures. In counties without medical examiners, the Justice of the Peace may also be the coroner. Justices of the Peace in Tarrant County do not have to be lawyers, instead, they are elected to the position and serve four years at a time.

Instructions

1. Talk to the county clerk about the process of applying to run for the position of Justice of the Peace. In Tarrant County, there are eight Justices of the Peace, each serving four-year terms and all are elected by the people of the county.

2. Speak with a current Justice of the Peace. Ask what the job entails, the salary and any other questions that may help you decide whether you want to become a Justice of the Peace.

3. Speak with the chair of your political party. If you are not active in your political party, now would be a smart time to start. Ask the chair what they look for when choosing a candidate to run. If you are an independent, you will simply apply to run. If you're affiliated with a political party, you will want the backing of the party itself.

4. Submit a letter to your political group stating why you think you would be good for the job. Follow up frequently. Find out what will help you to be chosen to run. You may have to wait until the current Justice of the Peace decides not to run.

5. Be actively involved in your community and political party while you wait for a Justice of the Peace opening. Be visible and be seen advocating for your party as much as possible. Keep open communication with the chair of your party so that you have a better chance of being selected to run when an opening becomes available.

References

• Justice of the Peace: About JPs
• Justice of the Peace: Texas
• Tarrant County: Justice of the Peace