Justices of the Peace courts have jurisdiction over:

Disputes under $5000.00.

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Justices of the peace courts do not have jurisdiction over:

• Title to immovable property;

• The right to public office;

• Divorce proceedings;

• Suits against public bodies; and

• Executory proceedings.

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How to file a claim:

An attorney is not needed to file a claim. Claims should be written.  We have a claim form here.

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What happens after I file a claim?

Once a claim is filed, the JOP will prepare a Citation to accompany your Statement of Claim, and the Constable will attempt to serve the other party with the pleadings.  Once served, the opposing party has ten (10) days to file an Answer or Reconventional Demand.  Presuming a claim is answered and denied, either party may ask the court to set the dispute for a hearing, and the court will set a trial date within 45 days of the request.  If the opposing party doesn’t file an Answer within ten (10) days, the claimant may appear and present evidence and testimony to obtain a default judgment. 

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What if I don't agree with the decision of the court?

If a judgment is issued, either party may file an appeal within fifteen (15) days of the judgment by filing a motion and order of appeal in the JOP Court AND by filing the appeal with the Clerk of Court for the 29th Judicial District Court, along with the appropriate court costs.  The 29th Judicial District Court will then hear the case de novo (from scratch as there is no recorded transcript from the JOP Court) and make a decision.  There is no appeal from the 29th Judicial District Court.

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What about criminal matters

Justices of the Peace are committing magistrates but must be approved to sign off on arrest and search warrants. JOP Courts can handle litter violations and a few other minor offenses.