There shall be a court known as the Municipal Court of the City
of DeSoto, with such jurisdiction, powers, and duties as are given
and prescribed by the laws of the State of Texas and this City.
The Municipal Court shall be presided over by a Magistrate who
shall be known as the Municipal Judge who shall be a duly licensed,
practicing attorney in the State of Texas appointed by the Council
for a term of two years except as otherwise allowed by state law.
The City Council may appoint Alternate Municipal Judges for a term
of two years except as otherwise allowed by state law, with the same
qualifications as the Municipal Judge, to preside over the Municipal
Court in the absence of the Municipal Judge. The Municipal Judge and
Alternate Municipal Court Judges shall receive compensation as is
approved by the City Council.
(Ordinance 2324-23 adopted 7/18/2023)
There shall be a Clerk of the Municipal Court who shall be appointed
by, and who shall serve at the pleasure of the City Manager. The Clerk
shall have power to administer oaths and affidavits, make certificates,
affix the seal of the court thereto, and otherwise perform any and
all acts necessary in issuing process of such Court, and conducting
the business thereof.
There shall be such Deputy Clerks of the Municipal Court as
may be authorized and appointed by the City Manager, who shall have
authority to act for and on behalf of the Clerk of the Municipal Court.
