Texas § GV.27.031 - JURISDICTION
Full text of Texas The Texas Constitution § GV.27.031 — JURISDICTION, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ GV.27.031. JURISDICTION
JURISDICTION. (a) In addition to the jurisdiction and powers provided by the constitution and other law, the justice court has original jurisdiction of: (1) civil matters in which exclusive jurisdiction is not in the district or county court and in which the amount in controversy is not more than $20,000, exclusive of interest; (2) cases of forcible entry and detainer; and (3) foreclosure of mortgages and enforcement of liens on personal property in cases in which the amount in controversy is otherwise within the justice court's jurisdiction. (b) A justice court does not have jurisdiction of: (1) a suit in behalf of the state to recover a penalty, forfeiture, or escheat; (2) a suit for divorce; (3) a suit to recover damages for slander or defamation of character; (4) a suit for trial of title to land; or (5) a suit for the enforcement of a lien on land. (c) A justice court has concurrent jurisdiction with a municipal court in cases that arise in the municipality's extraterritorial jurisdiction and that arise under an ordinance of the municipality applicable to the extraterritorial jurisdiction under Section 216.902 , Local Government Code. (d) A corporation need not be represented by an attorney in justice court. (e) A justice court has concurrent jurisdiction with a district court and a municipal court of record over expunction proceedings relating to the arrest of a person for an offense punishable by fine only. Acts 1985, 69th Leg., ch. 480, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1985. Amended by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 745, Sec. 2, eff. June 20, 1987; Acts 1991, 72nd Leg., ch. 776, Sec. 2, eff. Sept. 1, 1991. Amended by: Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 383 (S.B. 618 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 612 (H.B. 413 ), Sec. 12, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1149 (S.B. 1119 ), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007. Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 87 (S.B. 1969 ), Sec. 27.001(18), eff. September 1, 2009. Acts 2017, 85th Leg., R.S., Ch. 1149 (H.B. 557 ), Sec. 6, eff. September 1, 2017. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 372 (H.B. 1631 ), Sec. 3, eff. June 2, 2019. Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 696 (S.B. 2342 ), Sec. 32, eff. September 1, 2020.
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas § GV.27.031
What does The Texas Constitution § GV.27.031 cover?
Section GV.27.031 ("JURISDICTION") is part of the The Texas Constitution, the codified statutory law of Texas. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Texas § GV.27.031?
A common citation format is "The Texas Constitution § GV.27.031" (Texas). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Texas law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Texas official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Texas attorney.
How does Texas § GV.27.031 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Texas can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Texas.