1. To try charges where the punishment prescribed by law does not exceed a fine of one hundred dollars or imprisonment for three months. [Footnote: The extent of this jurisdiction varies somewhat in different states.]
2. To examine persons charged with crimes greater than those specified above, and to dismiss them or hold them for trial in a court having jurisdiction, as the facts seem to warrant.
3. To prevent crimes, by requiring reckless persons to give security to keep the peace.
PROCEEDINGS IN CRIMINAL TRIAL.
Preliminary.
Complaint.—If a crime has been committed, the sufferer, or any one else, may appear before the justice of the peace and make complaint, under oath, specifying the nature of the crime, the time of its commission, and the name of the person believed to have perpetrated it, and requesting that he be apprehended for trial.
Warrant.—If upon careful examination of the complainant and any witnesses whom he may bring, it appears that the offense has probably been committed, the justice issues a warrant, reciting the substance of the complaint, and commanding an officer to arrest the accused and produce him for trial.
Return.—The officer arrests the accused, brings him before the justice, and makes a return of the warrant. The return is a statement on the back of the warrant telling how its commands have been executed. (See p. 283)
Bail.—The accused is entitled to a speedy trial. But if for good cause it seems best to postpone it, the accused may be released from custody upon giving sufficient bail for his appearance at the time fixed for trial. If he cannot furnish bail, he is committed to jail or left in charge of the officer.
Subpoena.—One good reason for postponing a trial is to enable the parties to secure witnesses. To this end, the justice issues subpoenas. But in this case the witnesses must come without the tender of the fee.