Alabama Constitution Section 168 Election Jurisdiction, Fees, Appeals, and Terms of Justices of the Peace & Constables
Alabama Constitution – Section 168: Justices of the Peace and Constables – Election, Jurisdiction, Fees, Appeals, and Terms
🔹 Summary of Section 168:
This section outlines the constitutional framework regarding Justices of the Peace and Constables in Alabama. It addresses several key points:
1. Election and Terms:
Justices of the Peace and Constables are elected by the people.
Their terms of office are established by general law, not directly by the Constitution.
2. Jurisdiction and Powers:
The jurisdiction (types of cases they can hear) and powers of Justices of the Peace are determined by state law.
These roles typically involve minor civil and criminal matters, warrants, and peacekeeping duties.
3. Fees and Compensation:
The fees that Justices of the Peace and Constables may charge are regulated by law.
This ensures uniformity and prevents the abuse of fee collection.
4. Appeals:
Parties dissatisfied with decisions of a Justice of the Peace can appeal to a higher court, as provided by general law.
This guarantees a process for judicial review and due process.
✅ Purpose:
Section 168 ensures that:
These local judicial officers are democratically accountable,
Their powers and compensation are regulated by the legislature,
Citizens have access to a clear appeals process.
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