Published: September 12, 2009 12:46 pm      

Answers to Go: Former Record columnist featured in ‘Oprah’ mag

Each week hundreds of people call or visit the San Marcos Public Library to find information. "Answers•To•Go" highlights recently received questions. Please visit the library at 625 East Hopkins, call 393-8200 for information over the phone, or e-mail us through our web-page at www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us/library.htm.



Q. There was a lovely quote in the May issue of “Oprah.” It was attributed to Susan Hanson. Is that the Susan Hanson who used to write a column in the San Marcos Daily Record?



A. Yes, it is. Here’s the quote our reader admired: “What might my life be like were I to give in to the rhythms of my own ragged dance? Like this, I imagine, walking down the trail, past grapevines and winecups and huisache blooming in the sun. Just like this attentiveness, this pleasure, this being present to the world.”

This quote is found on page 13 of Hanson’s collection of essays, “Icons of Loss and Grace: Moments from the Natural World.”

She introduces her volume of essays by telling how as a toddler she was fascinated by a book that belonged to her brother. Today that book, “Animals under Your Feet!” by Ivah Green, sits on the shelf in her study.

Come check out our copy of “Icons of Loss and Grace.” The library has a great collection of books on the natural world. If you’ve got kids, be sure to browse our shelves of children’s books.



Q. My friend is considering a run for justice of the peace in Caldwell County. I’m new to Texas. What does a justice of the peace do?



A. Let’s pull up the website, Texas Courts Online, for some background: “The Texas Constitution requires that each county in the State establish between one and eight justice of the peace precincts, depending upon the population of the county.

“Also, depending on the population of the precinct, either one or two justice of the peace courts are to be established in each precinct. There are more than 820 justice of the peace courts in Texas.”

The web site of the Texas Association of Counties states the duties of the justice of the peace in our state: “The justice of the peace is the legal jurisdiction closest to the average citizen.

“Section 19 of Article 5 of the Texas Constitution provides that: justice of the peace courts have original jurisdiction in criminal matters of misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only and such other jurisdiction as may be provided by law.

“The justice of the peace performs the functions of a magistrate and conducts inquests. A justice of the peace may issue warrants for search and arrest, conduct preliminary hearings, administer oaths, perform marriages and serve as a coroner in counties where there is no provision for a medical examiner.

“The justice court also functions as a small claims court in civil matters in which exclusive jurisdiction is not in district or county court and the amount in controversy does not exceed $10,000.