JP's a busy job

Flathead County Comm-issioners, in a move that all residents should applaud, have created a second full-time Justice of the Peace. I am one of four candidates running for the new position.

During my campaigning, I have noted a general confusion by many individuals on the role and responsibilities of courts of limited jurisdiction. This probably reflects a positive aspect, in that many of the people that I've encountered have not appeared before these courts.

However, it is important to review Montana's courts of limited jurisdiction, as the statistics reflect that it is such courts that most Montanans will have contact with in one way or another.

Montana's courts of limited jurisdiction include 66 justice courts, 81 city courts and five municipal courts. The jurisdiction of these courts varies slightly, but together they address misdemeanor offenses, civil cases for amounts up to $7,000, small claims up to $3,000, landlord and tenant disputes, city and municipal ordinances, protective orders, and certain cases involving juvenile and other family related matters.

Justice courts are also responsible for hearing and resolving traffic citations issued by the Montana Highway Patrol, as well as Flathead County Sheriff's Department. In addition, justice courts hears cases involving Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, as well as airport parking tickets, Department of Transportation and county animal control violations.

Certain criminal charges filed by the Flathead County Attorney's office are also handled in Justice Court. According to the Montana Supreme Court, "The total caseload of these courts is nearly 10 times greater than that of the district courts in Montana. Courts of limited jurisdiction are the courts in which most Montanans seeking justice will encounter the justice system."

In 2004, Flathead Justice Court processed 1,987 criminal cases, 3,405 civil cases, 65 small claims cases, 3,585 speeding and seat belt violations, and 5,464 other types of cases, resulting in 14,502 cases, violations or other matters requiring timely, professional and proper resolution.

Only Billings and Missoula had more cases or matters brought before their justice courts. Kalispell's municipal court and Columbia Falls and Whitefish's city courts also have staggering amounts of similar cases being pursued before them.

I believe that a significant reason for the incredible number of cases, violations or other matters being brought before the justice courts, as well as other courts of limited jurisdiction, is unprecedented countywide growth.

With growth comes an increase in the transient population, as well as the problems associated with a larger population. While on the Whitefish City Council, I led the fight to increase funding for city court, police, fire and emergency response personnel.

As Flathead County residents go to the polls on June 6, I would encourage you to take into consideration the tremendous demands being placed on Flathead County's judicial system, as well as on the Flathead County Sheriff's Department and all our communities' fire, police and emergency response personnel.

Thomas S. Muri, of Whitefish, is a candidate for Flathead County Justice of the Peace, Court Two.