The Text

The electors of the several towns shall, at their annual town meetings, or at such other time and in such manner as the legislature may direct, elect justices of the peace, whose term of office shall be four years. In case of an election to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of a full term, they shall hold for the remainder of the unexpired term. Their number, classification and duties shall be regulated by law. Justices of the peace and judges or justices of inferior courts not of record, and their clerks, may be removed for cause, after due notice and an opportunity of being heard by such courts as are or may be prescribed by law. Justices of the peace, city magistrates and all other judicial officers whose election or appointment is not otherwise provided for in this article may be elected in the several cities of this state, or in any boroughs contained within a city, or within districts created for that purpose or may be appointed by some local authorities of the several cities, in such manner and with such powers and for such terms, respectively, as are or may be prescribed by law. The boards of supervisors or other officials exercising power now vested in such boards may fix the compensation to be paid or allowed to justices of the peace in towns and cities for their services in criminal matters.