When the State was organized, a law was passed (April 16, 1803) providing for the election in every township of Justices of the Peace, the number to be determined by the Court of Common Pleas. The official term was three years, and many subsequent acts were passed defining and regulating the duties and powers of this court. Under the constitution of 1851, a competent number of Justices was authorized to be elected in each township, the term of service being the same as under the old Constitution. The jurisdiction of Justices is fully established by law and will be found further along in this chapter. Although the office of Justice of the Peace is generally looked upon as an insignificant one, yet it has done its share in moulding the law-abiding sentiment of every community and causing evildoers to respect the power and majesty of the judiciary.