Gordon Hutchinson Takes Oath As New Constable for Central

Gordon Hutchinson Takes Oath As New Constable for Central

Justice of the Peace Mark Miley administered the oath of office to his new constable, Gordon Hutchinson of Central.

Hutchinson was elected to take the position of retiring constable Don Thompson, who served in that position for 18 years. Thompson succeeded constable Virgil Devall.

Hutchinson said, “Many citizens are unfamiliar with the purpose of their Justice of the Peace court, thinking the JP mainly marries folks, but the system of Justice of the Peace courts and their constables serve a very important role in communities with no court system, or for persons outside the city limits, with no access to city courts.”

“The Justice of the Peace court serves as a civil and small claims court for those citizens.  The JP court serves the people of its ward by giving them access to a small claims court in cases up to $5,000,” he said.

Cases involving garnishments, unpaid debts, evictions, and many other civil cases are heard by the justice.  The constable acts as security for the Justice’s court, serves orders from the court, and enforces the edicts and orders of the court.

Both the Justice and his constable serve for six-year terms.  The new term began Jan. 1, 2015.

Justice of the Peace Mark Miley was re-elected to his position without opposition on Nov. 4.  Mark, along with his father Phil and his sister are members of the Miley Law Firm and serve Central.

Gordon Hutchinson is a long-time resident of the Central area, served 25 years as a reserve deputy with EBRSO, and was one of the original Central City police officers.  A member of Zoar Baptist Church, Gordon and his wife Ti Lou have three children and three grandchildren.

 

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