The city council shall establish and cause to be maintained
a municipal court. The court shall have all the powers and duties
as are now, or as may be, prescribed by the laws of the State of Texas.
A.
The city council
shall appoint, by the affirmative vote of a majority of the membership
of the city council, such municipal judges of the municipal court,
as may be necessary, all of whom shall be competent, duly qualified
attorneys licensed and practicing for at least five (5) years in the
State of Texas. In the event a duly qualified attorney is not available,
the city council shall then select a qualified person to be the municipal
judge. The municipal judge(s) of the municipal court(s) shall be appointed
to a term in accordance with state law. The municipal judge(s) shall
receive compensation as may be determined by the city council.
B.
Municipal judge
shall have the power to punish for contempt to the same extent and
under the same circumstance as the Justice of the Peace may punish
for contempt of criminal cases.
C.
The clerk and
deputy clerks of the municipal court(s) shall have the power to administer
oaths, certify affidavits, make certificates, affix the seal of the
court and perform all usual and necessary acts in conducting the business
of the court(s), including but not limited to, the keeping of records
and accounts of the municipal court(s).
D.
All special
expenses and fines imposed by the municipal court(s) shall be paid
into the city treasury for the use and benefit of the city, as may
be consistent with present and future laws.
