Who are you?
My name is Stephanie Baird, I am a veteran and a nurse with 14 years of experience mostly in the mental health, substance abuse and correctional fields.
What are you running for?
Brazoria County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4 Place 1
What is a Justice of the Peace?
In the 1876 Constitution of the State of Texas, Article Five, Section One, the office of Justice of the Peace was established as a court with judicial power. Today, in the Constitution of the State of Texas, Section Nineteen, Article Five, provides: Exclusive civil jurisdiction in matters of $200 or less controversy. The Office of Justice of the Peace was established in 1362 by King Edward III of England. It is credited with completing the centralization of government in England and is an integral part of the Anglo-American system of jurisprudence.
As the American colonies were being founded, one of the first offices established by the King was that of Justice of the Peace to establish and maintain order. The Americanized Justice of the Peace Court expanded to include taking acknowledgements, performing marriages and taking depositions. The colonial justice was a person of recognized standing.
When Texas became a republic, this grass roots court was quickly instituted. With the sparse population and the need for decentralized government, the Justice of the Peace became an integral part of the government. The Republic’s Constitution of 1836 specified that a “convenient number of Justices of the Peace” were to be elected in each county by qualified voters for two-year terms. Then, in the 1876 Constitution of the State of Texas, Article Five, Section One, the office of Justice of the Peace was again established as a court with judicial power.
What does a Justice of the Peace do?
Justices of the peace handle both civil and criminal cases, including small claims court, justice court, and administrative hearings. In practical terms, these are lawsuits over debts, evictions, car accidents, unlawful towing, and property, as well as officiate weddings, juvenile and adult probation court. The Texas constitution provides that the justice of the peace courts have original jurisdiction in criminal matters of Class C Misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only, and civil matters involving not more than $20,000.
Why are you running?
Because of my nursing experience in mental health, substance use disorders, and both jail and prison, I believe I have a unique perspective on how to assess each case. I have real world knowledge and experience to bring to the bench and the community.
When is the election?
November 5, 2024
How long is each term?
Four years
Can you give legal advice?
No, I am not an attorney. A Justice of the Peace does not have to have formal legal training. Once elected, the Justice attends training and must maintain a certain number of continuing education hours a year.