By R.J. Morales | TX3DNews
COLLIN COUNTY, Texas — Evictions, debt claims, traffic cases and truancy may not draw the attention of a congressional race, but decisions made in a Justice of the Peace courtroom can directly affect someone’s home, finances, transportation or ability to get to work.
That is part of the case Pastor Irvin Lynn Barrett is making as he campaigns for Collin County Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, challenging Republican incumbent Mike Missildine in the Nov. 3 general election.
Barrett, an Allen pastor and chaplain who also ran for the office in 2022, said voters should not mistake the court’s lower profile for a lack of consequence.
“The cases may be called ‘lower court’ matters, but they are not small matters to the people standing before the judge.”
What JP3 Does
Collin County Justice Courts handle debt claims, evictions, repair-and-remedy cases and small claims. JP3 also handles traffic and criminal matters and truancy cases, according to the county. Collin County Justice courts hear civil cases involving up to $20,000, excluding interest.
Barrett said those cases can reach directly into everyday life.
“An eviction can affect a family’s housing. A debt case can affect someone’s finances. A traffic matter can affect a person’s ability to work or get to work. Truancy involves a young person’s education and future.”
He said the court also has a responsibility to make its procedures understandable.
“People should be able to find out what to expect, what documents they need, where to go, and how to ask procedural questions.”
Fairness in Eviction Cases
Eviction cases can put two serious interests directly at odds. Collin County describes an eviction as a lawsuit seeking possession of real property, often brought by a landlord against a tenant.
Barrett said a judge should not begin from sympathy for either side.
“A tenant’s risk of losing housing is serious. A property owner’s legal rights and obligations are serious too. The judge’s responsibility is not to take sides based on sympathy or assumptions; it is to apply the law impartially to the facts presented.”
That, he said, is also how he views compassion in the courtroom.
“Compassion affects how people are treated; it does not authorize a judge to ignore the law. I can listen attentively, speak respectfully, and make sure the parties have a fair opportunity to be heard. Then I must decide the case according to the law and the evidence, even when the outcome is difficult.”
When People Represent Themselves
Justice Court is also a place where people often represent themselves. Collin County notes that court clerks cannot provide legal advice.
Barrett said there is still room to make proceedings easier to understand.
“A judge can explain how the hearing will proceed, identify which matter is being heard, make sure people understand when it is their turn to speak, and use plain language when explaining a ruling.”
But he said the limit has to be clear.
“The judge cannot become one party’s adviser, tell a person what arguments to make, or help one side build its case. … The goal is equal access to the process, not unequal assistance within it.”
Faith and the Bench
Barrett’s work as a pastor and chaplain is a major part of his background, and he said that experience has taught him how to listen, remain composed and work with people under stress.
He also addressed how he would separate his religious beliefs from judicial decisions.
“The judicial role has a clear boundary: decisions must be based on Texas law, the evidence, and the applicable court rules not my personal religious beliefs. My faith informs my commitment to serve others, but it cannot decide a case.”
What He Would Change
Barrett said residents should be able to understand the court process before they walk into the courtroom.
He said he would review scheduling, communication and technology to see whether the court could reduce confusion through clearer notices, better online information, expanded hours or virtual proceedings where legally appropriate.
“The standard I would use is practical: can residents understand the process and participate meaningfully?”
A Second Run for JP3
Barrett first ran for the Precinct 3 seat in 2022. He said that campaign changed how he approaches the race this time.
“My 2022 campaign taught me that people want more than a name on a ballot. They want to know whether a candidate understands the office, listens to the community, and can be trusted with decisions that affect people’s lives.”
Barrett said his 2026 campaign is more focused on what residents should expect from the court and how the office should operate.
Asked what voters should see as the clearest difference between him and Missildine, Barrett avoided a personal attack.
“I respect that voters should make their own comparison based on each candidate’s record, experience, and plans. The case I am making is that JP3 should be a court where people are treated with dignity, procedures are communicated clearly, and decisions are made impartially under Texas law.”
Barrett said the office deserves more attention precisely because its decisions can be so personal.
“It is a local court, but its decisions can affect someone’s home, finances, transportation, education, or liberty.”