The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1905-03-03
Shall owosso Have a Police Court

we RlNc utrtNltn u summary OI inc prOVlS-
ions of the bill introduced by Senator Cook pro-
yiding for the election of but one justice and
two constable in the city instead OF two and
five as at present. The bill establishes what is
knowras apolfce court. salaries being paid the
justice and constables. 1t is to be regretted
that thesrbiii could not have been introduced
some time ago so that more time could have
been given for Q discussion of the same by our
citizens. However, Sen. Cook Is in no wise to
blame foryits being introduced at this time
The provisions Of the bill should be carefully
investigated by all and letters should be sent to
Sen. Cook and Rep. Ward stating the views OF
the writer's as to the wisdom of the proposed
law and suggesting changes. This must be
done at once to give time to pass the bill be-
fore, the spring election and to allow the council
to fix thfSalarles This month.
THEr1MEs be.ieves II the bill is to be passed
some changes should be made. The provision
foR o clerk Of the court should be eliminated,
one PERSON can handle the business. The maxi
mum amount OF the salary to be paid the con.
stables should be stated and as the city marshal
can serve papers 1t would seem as though one
constable would be sufficient. Section Is should
be amended to require all warrants for viola
lions Of city ordinances to be served by the
constable or city Notwithstanding out the
sheriff or constables of the county to whom fees
would have to be paid. Even with the changes
made we are of the opinion that large addi-
lJMenal tax will be required each year to main.
t4i9 the court, or in other words 1t occurs to us
thS the fees and costs which will be paid into
the city Treasury each year will be found to be
very smallisem. - owosso large enough to
maintain court OF this land?
Here are the proviaoRe Of the bill
Section 1. provides FOR the election of one
justice and two constables.
Section 2, provides for the first election OF the
justice at the spring election this year and each
four years hereafter; In case of vacancy the
mayor to appoint, council to confirm, appoint
ment to hold until first general or city cleo.
tion.
Section 8, provides that the ONCE of the JUS
tice whose term expires this year is to be
abolished. and the office of the justice whose
term expires in 1907 is then to be abolished or
at any time prior thereto ifa vacancy should
occur.
Section 4, confers upon the justice the same
jurisdiction in criminal and civil matters as
justices now have also power to administer
oaths. take acknowledgements of deeds solem
nize marriages, etc. 4
Section 5, provides for the delivering by the
two justices to the justice elected this yeaf all
files, records and dockets at the expiration Of
their terms; the5pstice TO hsye;power,to issue
executions upon any tedgsen1 appe4ring on
said dockets, and to proceed IN all cases Ii the
usual manner.
Section 6, makes the justice the police justice
OF the city with power to try and determine all
ordinance cases; requires the giving of an ad
ditional bond in the sum of $1,000 with one or
more sureties to be approved by the mayor.
Section 7, provides that in the absence from
the city of the justice or his disability or dis.
qualification to act, the justice whose term ex
pires in 1907 shall act in his stead police JUS
tice after 1907 in case OF absence of the justice
one of the justices of the township of Owosso
shall be called upon to act when requested TO
do so by the mayor or justice. Such acting, JUS
tce to receive pro rata, for the time he shall
serve, the salary Of the justice
Section s, requires the justice TO keep dockets
as now required, also q separate docket as
police justice.
Section 9, provides that the common council
shall furnish all dockets, legal blanks and sta.
tonery, shall pay the justice salary of $1,000
year, payable monthly; also pay the justice
not TO exceed 5000 year for office rent 1t also
provides that the justice shall receive no fees
except marriage fees; that all fees provided by
the act to be taxed and collected shall be paid
by the justice into the city treasury within five
day $ after they are collected.
Section 10, compels the justice to make
monthly reports to the council on oath of all
moneys collected, giving the number and name
of every person against whom judgment shall
be rendered for fine, penalty or forfeiture, and
requires the payment of such money into the
city treasury on the first MoEslay OF each
month. Failure so to 40 is punisl@hlS BY sus-
pension or removal from Office. = cS1f
Section IL, makes 1t the dutyQEthe Justice to
Sccohnt on,oath at the firstfeg6laf meeting of
the council in the month9t2f August, ;1fesyem.
Der, February and May ia. Zach year Tor all
moneys, goods, wares ana N e. hhnhise, seized,
as stolen property and Mf6 Mining ,unclaime9s
and Immediately theresit vto give notice for
four weeks in one of th4hewspapers OF the city
TO all persons Interest," orclaiming. such prop.
erty Psrishablc &c may be sold sat. public
auction NJ any time Bmay seem proper after
giving notice to tn fjouncil. = zsg ~ !, 2 !,
Section ~, Prov - for the return OF stolen
property to it's osSfers, ETC., while Section 10
gives the justiS lbwer to sell at auction such
goods as may u n his hands, the proceeds to
be paid into the city treasury,
Section Il. gives the justice power to try all
cases for violation Of city ordinances, to punish
offenders, 70 admit accused to bail, to commit
to prison, &c. 1t also provides that security
for costs must be given. when complaint is
made by an,Sperson except city officers In the
same manner as is required In criminal cases
under the general laws.
Section Is, relates to the issuing and serving
Of Mrrrants, providing that for the violation OF
any eaty ordinance the warrant can be served
by bhe city marshal the sheriff or any con-
Sable Of the county and giving them power to
Snrvesame in any part Of the state.
n Section 49, provides that in every civil action
entry and other fees must be paid by party
Bringing suit, the fees to be In full for all
services. The fees of witnesses and Jurors in
criminal cases shall be paid to the county treas
urer. The justice is given authority whenever
the council may deem 1t necessary to appoint
clerk OF the court, the council to determine his
and the clerk to be in daily at
upon the court.
Section IL, provides that the justice shall
keep an account of all fees, which he would be
entitled 10 receive II not working under a sal
airy, in criminal cases and present the same to
the council fifteen days before the January and
October sessions OF the board OF supervisors
for examination and approval; he must also
submit the constabes' accounts duly certified;