The Justice of the Peace is the legal power closest to the average Brown County citizen. 

There are four of these judges in Brown County and each are elected to a four-year term. Each judge presides over cases concerning their precincts. Their precincts follow the same lines as the county commissioners. 

The Republican Primary March 1 will decide the next Justice of the Peace in Precincts 3 and 4 as no Democratic candidates have filed to run for the position. 

The responsibilities of JPs are extensive. Justices of the Peace handle both civil and criminal cases, including small claims court, justice court, and administrative hearings over  debts, evictions, car accidents, unlawful towing, and property.

Their criminal function involves the settling of all Class C criminal misdemeanor complaints including traffic citations, writing of bad checks, and others. They also deal extensively with juvenile issues  including truancy, alcohol and tobacco violations, and shoplifting. 

Other duties include presiding over peace bond hearings and reviewing applications for mental health or substance dependency commitments. They issue warrants for and conduct hearings concerning animal cruelty.

 A Justice of the Peace may also issue warrants for search and arrest, conduct preliminary hearings, administer oaths, handle emergency protective orders, and perform marriages.

 JPs also enforce certain county and state ordinances including environmental violations, illegal dumping, illegal towing, and burn bans.

The candidates for Precinct 3 are Brian Edward and Bryan Thompson.

Precinct 4 candidates are Ted Perez (Incumbent), Andre Smoot, Harold “HQ” Thomas, and Rusty Howell.