Justice Court Judges preside over cases involving traffic offenses, misdemeanor criminal charges, small claims disputes, evictions, protection orders, and preliminary hearings in felony cases. Justice Courts are often the public’s first point of contact with the judicial system and handle a high volume of cases that directly affect housing stability, public safety, and everyday legal disputes. These judges are responsible for ensuring proceedings follow due process and that laws are applied consistently and fairly. Because Justice Court decisions can significantly impact individuals’ rights, financial stability, and access to justice, these races are important in supporting accountability and public trust within the local court system.Note: This is a nonpartisan race. The designation only applies to the race, and does not reflect the political affiliations of the candidates.