Sec. 19.  JURISDICTION OF JUSTICE OF THE PEACE COURTS; EX OFFICIO NOTARIES PUBLIC.  Justice of the peace courts shall have original jurisdiction in criminal matters of misdemeanor cases punishable by fine only, exclusive jurisdiction in civil matters where the amount in controversy is two hundred dollars or less, and such other jurisdiction as may be provided by law.  Justices of the peace shall be ex officio notaries public.
(Feb. 15, 1876. Amended Nov. 7, 1978, and Nov. 5, 1985.)