Flores v. Federici

COMPTON, Chief Justice.

The question presented on appeal is whether petitioner, a justice of the peace, charged with having violated the provisions of Section 36-20-2, N.M.S.A., 1953 Compilation, while in office, is entitled to the right of trial by jury. The section under which the petitioner was charged and the penalty statute, § 36-20-3, read:

Section 36-20-2.

“No justice of the peace or constable shall directly or indirectly, buy or be interested in buying any bond, note or other demand, evidence of indebtedness or cause of action, for the purpose of commencing any suit thereon before a…