𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗔 𝗦𝗔𝗟𝗔𝗭𝗔𝗥 𝗦𝗪𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗔 𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟 𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗦

 photos and video courtesy of Jerry Danache

The sometimes maligned Cameron County Justice of the Peace system is the court for the common man, requiring a mere filing fee of $48 and service fee for the defendant of $75, to give a local citizen their day in court.

The swearing in ceremony for J.P. Judge Linda Salazar, before an overflow crowd in chambers on the second floor of the Cameron County Courthouse, seemed to celebrate that aspect of the people's court.

Judge Salazar, flanked by her office staff

Judge Salazar, who was introduced by her son, Ruben Cortez, credited her staff with the success of her office, calling them "family, since we work together from 8 to 5."

The inauguration turned into a celebration, as a mariachi band took the stage, quickly joined by Tax Collector/Assessor-elect, Eddie Garcia, with his booming voice, then followed by two gifted female performers.