Mr. Hubert. The term is for how long?
Mr. Johnston. Four years.
Mr. Hubert. You have been in that office for how long?
Mr. Johnston. I took office January 1, 1959. Prior to that I was with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department for 9½ years.
Mr. Hubert. Under Sheriff Decker?
Mr. Johnston. Under Sheriff Decker; yes.
Mr. Hubert. What are the general duties of the justice of the peace in Texas?
Mr. Johnston. The justice of the peace in Texas has civil jurisdiction up to $200 in civil matters; has misdemeanor jurisdiction as provided by the statutes for criminal offenses of a misdemeanor nature in which the fine does not exceed $200 plus the costs. He is the acting coroner under our statutes. He is a magistrate. He can hold courts of inquiry, issue search warrants or any process relevant to a felonious act in the State of Texas.
Mr. Hubert. How many such justices are there in Dallas County?
Mr. Johnston. In Dallas County there are 10.