Mandy Hopkins Hays
for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3
  

       -Committed
                       -Hard Working
                -Fair

Duties of the Justice of the Peace

The first responsibility of the office of justice of the peace is that of education.  All newly elected justices must attend the Texas Justice Court Training Center to receive the training necessary.  The comprehensive education covers all areas of the justice of the peace office.  After the first year in office, justices must attend school every year for continuing education.  Also, after each legislative session, additional training is offered to keep the judges informed of any and all changes affecting their courts.
Why is it that the State of Texas does not require a law degree or any type of law affiliation for this position?  Perhaps the intent is for a people’s court.  According to the Texas Association of Counties, “the justice of the peace is the legal jurisdiction closest to the average citizen.” 
Justice of the Peace courts serve as Justice and Small Claims Court, hearing civil cases with the amount in controversy not exceeding $10,000.  They also have jurisdiction over criminal class c misdemeanors by fine only.
The Justice Court has primary jurisdiction over all eviction suits and writs of re-entry, writs of possession, and writs of execution filed in the respective court.  The JP serves as a magistrate that may issue arrest warrants as well as search and seizure warrants.  A Justice of the Peace also conducts administrative and magistrate hearings, which include bail settings, arraignments, driver’s license suspensions, examining trials, and stolen property hearings.  The JP courts collect fines and fees for various civil and criminal cases filed.  The Justice of the Peace performs marriage ceremonies, as well as conducting inquests and orders for autopsies.  The Justice Court also has jurisdiction on truancy cases.

My Preparation for the Office

I was born and raised in Wise County by a conservative Christian family that instilled in me a strong work ethic, honesty, and the belief that every person is worth our time. This foundation coupled with my experiences as a mother, educator, and business owner have prepared me for this office.  A justice of the peace must be impartial, patient, attentive, and capable of making sound judgments.  Like parenting, teaching, and running a business,  the office of justice of the peace requires an honest person that is fair and consistent.  I have always held that there is perfect wisdom in such simple standards as the Golden Rule…treat others as you wish to be treated.  As a person striving for a chance to serve the people’s court, I will keep those ideals close to my heart.  I will always want to hear both sides of a story, and use common sense as my guide.  I believe this type of discernment is all important to the position of justice of the peace.
I have visited courts in Wise and surrounding counties to see how culminations of offices run in order that I may be prepared to implement best practices if afforded the opportunity to serve. It is important to me to be open to innovative ideas and initiatives that may benefit the people I will serve.  The hard work and dedication that I put into my campaign of going door to door to speak with the people, is the same diligent effort I will put into serving the people.
I have visited school districts in precinct 3 to discuss plans to implement programs combating truancy and other issues brought before the court. I also plan to implement programs to help families find the appropriate support services in light of matters that are brought before the court such as inquests, truancy, and family-based matters in an effort to minimize the adverse effect these concerns have on their lives.
In business and home, I construct and maintain a conservative budget.  I believe in never spending more than you make, being prepared for unexpected expenses, and saving for the things you want or need.  I believe this fiscally conservative attitude is necessary when overseeing a budget of our taxpayer’s money.
I have learned the value of having and being a good leader through my experiences in business, teaching, and parenting.  The most effective leadership quality is that of sincerity.   I believe that a leader should inspire hard work and be willing to make tough decisions that are in the best interest of the community.
Most importantly, my experiences through knowing Jesus as my Lord and Savior are what has and will continue to prepare me for this office.  We are His workmanship created in Him for good works.  He has instilled in me a heart that seeks truth and desires to help others.  I believe the office of Justice of the Peace can be a platform to find and fill areas of need in the community and I hope to be given the opportunity to do so.