Municipal Courts Week: A Celebration of Overreach?

Introduction

As the first week of November rolled around, Texas celebrated Municipal Courts Week, with cities like Harker Heights proudly hosting events to highlight the "contribution to community safety and well-being" made by these courts. This annual observance, backed by House Concurrent Resolution 75 (HCR 75) passed by the 88th Texas Legislature, serves as a pat on the back for municipal courts and their staff. But for many Texans, the applause feels hollow. Instead of fostering safety or justice, municipal courts have become a symbol of government overreach and revenue generation at the expense of the people they claim to serve.

Full Text of HCR 75

HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Municipal courts provide the citizens of the Lone
Star State with a local forum where questions of law and fact can be
resolved in regard to alleged violations of state law and municipal
ordinances; and
WHEREAS, Because citizens come into contact with municipal
courts more often than any other type of court, the administration
of justice at the municipal level plays a large part in influencing
the public's overall impression of the Texas judicial system; and
WHEREAS, Judges of the municipal courts function also as
magistrates for the State of Texas, and in that role they perform
such duties as issuing search and arrest warrants, giving
magistrate warnings, and setting bail for offenses ranging from
petty theft to murder; and
WHEREAS, Pledging to be impartial and to conform to the
standards set by the Canons of Judicial Conduct, our state's
municipal court employees work diligently to ensure the fair
administration of justice while upholding the rigorous standards of
professionalism; and
WHEREAS, In addition to judges, municipal courts are staffed
by clerks, court administrators, prosecutors, juvenile case
managers, bailiffs, and warrant officers; these dedicated
individuals continually strive to improve court operations by
participating in judicial education programs, seminars, workshops,
and the annual meetings of their state and local professional
organizations; and
WHEREAS, Municipal courts in Texas play a vital role in
preserving public safety, protecting the quality of life for area
residents, and deterring future criminal behavior, and it is indeed
fitting to recognize municipal judges and court support personnel
for their exemplary dedication to the communities they serve; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate the first week of November as Municipal Courts
Week; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.
            

Safety or Overreach?

The resolution praises municipal courts for their role in "preserving public safety" and "protecting the quality of life," but the reality paints a far different picture. These courts are overwhelmed, drowning in cases. Why? Because our government insists on legislating every aspect of our lives in the name of safety. From parking on your own property to minor infractions, the courts are clogged with petty cases that do little to promote actual safety or justice. Instead, they serve as a mechanism to enforce an overreaching government’s will.

A Clerical Misstep with a Deeper Meaning

The City of Harker Heights, in its Municipal Courts Week announcement, referenced House Resolution 1658 (HR 1658) as the basis for the week. However, HR 1658 is unrelated—it commemorates an entirely different event. They likely meant HCR 75, the actual resolution designating Municipal Courts Week. A small mistake? Sure. But it speaks volumes about the bureaucracy’s habit of not reading or understanding the very laws and resolutions they so eagerly enforce. If the officials can’t even get the basics right, how can we trust their governance?

Full Text of HR 1658

88R28543(45) BHH-D
By: Longoria    H.R. No. 1658

RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Gilbert Gonzalez was honored by the City of Edcouch
as part of the 2022 From the Delta, With Love ceremony; and
WHEREAS, The From the Delta, With Love program highlights
musicians and other artists who have contributed to the vibrant
culture of the Delta area; and
WHEREAS, Gilbert Gonzalez is furthering an impressive legacy
of artistic achievement in the Lone Star State, and it is a pleasure
to join in recognizing him for his exceptional talent; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Gilbert Gonzalez on being honored
at the 2022 From the Delta, With Love ceremony and extend to him
sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Gonzalez as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
            

The Revenue Engine

Municipal courts aren’t just about safety—they’re about revenue. The government knows that raising taxes to fund their initiatives would spark public outrage. Instead, they use the courts as a stealth tax, penalizing working-class and poor individuals for infractions that wealthier citizens might never face. Got a traffic ticket? Parking violation? These aren’t just rules—they’re revenue streams. And those who can’t pay face fines, fees, and sometimes jail time, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and dependence on a justice system that sees them as dollar signs, not people.

A Call for Change

Municipal Courts Week might highlight the dedication of court staff, but it also underscores the disconnect between the government and the governed. Texans aren’t asking for safer parking or more fines—they’re pleading for freedom from overregulation and intrusive laws. If the legislature truly wanted to honor municipal courts, they’d focus on reducing their caseload by repealing unnecessary ordinances and giving people their lives back. Instead of patting themselves on the back, they should be asking: How did we get to a place where justice is a business, not a principle?

The Bottom Line

Municipal courts don’t exist to promote safety—they exist to sustain an overgrown government that thrives on revenue generated by fining its citizens into submission. This Municipal Courts Week, let’s ask ourselves: Is this a celebration of justice or a celebration of control?