What exactly is a quorum court?

» Unrelated to judges and jails, a quorum court is a type of council or committee that makes decisions about your county government and its services that you depend on.

» Each county in Arkansas is divided into districts whose citizens elect a representative on the county’s quorum court. 

» Members of the court are called justices of the peace, an old-fashioned term that simply means an elected county government official. And yes, a justice of the peace in Arkansas can perform marriage ceremonies. 

» The head of the quorum court holds the title of county judge and does not vote but has the power to veto a decision by the court members. 

» The number of members of a court is based on a county’s population. Counties with small populations have just nine justices of the peace. Those with larger populations have more; Pulaski County has fifteen. Terms last two years.

Why should I care about my local quorum court?

They control public services and infrastructure that you don’t normally think about. That includes:

• The 9-1-1 system

• Police and fire protection

• Condition of roads and bridges

• Trash pickup

• Water

• Animal control

The court also determines other county employees’ jobs and pay rate.

When does my quorum court meet?

Arkansas law requires that a quorum court meets monthly, but some meet twice a month. Meetings are public. Check with your county government for meeting time and place.

Where can I learn more about quorum courts in Arkansas?  

• Do a search for “[your county’s name] County Arkansas Quorum Court.” If you don’t see a meeting schedule listed, email a Justice of the Peace or the court’s info address and ask for upcoming schedules and agendas.

• You can find a list of all your county officials HERE from the AR Association of Counties

• A Procedural Guide for How Quorum Courts Work in Arkansas: https://www.uaex.edu/publications/PDF/MP172.pdf.