Judge Mary S. Ward
Judge Mary S. Ward was elected and assumed the duties of Justice of the Peace for Precinct No. 1, Place 2 on January 1, 2011. Judge Ward previously served as Justice of the Peace of Precinct No. 1 from 1983 – 1987. Justice of the Peace Precinct No. 1 was divided by Commissioner’s Court in 1987: Justice of the Peace Precinct No. 1 Place 1 and Justice of the Peace Precinct No. 1 Place 2 with equal jurisdiction throughout Precinct No. 1.
Justices of the Peace must act in a neutral capacity to serve all citizens, law enforcement agencies, merchants, school districts, and various other county and state regulatory agencies who file either civil or criminal actions. Justice Courts must meet all financial and court related reporting requirements of the County and State. As coroner, the Justice of the Peace must accurately, and with efficiency and consideration to all parties, determine cause of death and decide what outside agencies to employ to assist in this responsibility. Justice Courts must comply with all Records Management retention responsibilities that apply. Justice Courts must comply with all requirements related to employee time-keeping, employee evaluations, and workers' compensation laws.