is to ascertain, evaluate and report upon the facts relative to the assassination of President Kennedy and the subsequent violent death of Lee Harvey Oswald.
In particular, as to you, Mr. Johnston, the nature of the inquiry today is to determine what facts you know about the death of Oswald and any other pertinent facts you may know about the general' inquiry and about Jack Ruby and his operations, movements, and associates.
Now, I think you have appeared here today by virtue of a letter addressed to you by Mr. J. Lee Rankin, general counsel of the staff of the President's Commission, asking you to be present, is that correct?
Mr. Johnston.
That is correct.
Mr. Hubert.
What is the date of that letter, do you have it?
Mr. Johnston.
The letter is rubber stamped June 22, 1964.
Mr. Hubert.
And you received it when?
Mr. Johnston.
It was received in the U.S. Post Office, Dallas, Tex., on June 23, and had to be forwarded to the Post Office at Richardson, Tex., where it was received on June 24, and I received the same on June 24, 1964 at 12:10 p.m.
Mr. Hubert.
Under the rules of the Commission which you have probably complied with here, every witness has a right to a 3-day written notice before their deposition can be taken, counting from the date of the letter, but in any case the rules provide that a witness may waive the 3-day notice.
Mr. Johnston.
I will waive that at this time, if it's involved here; yes, sir.
Mr. Hubert.
Thank you. Would you rise and be sworn.
Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to give in this matter shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?
Mr. Johnston.
I do.
Mr. Hubert.
Will you state your name, please, sir?
Mr. Johnston.
I am David L. Johnston.
Mr. Hubert.
How old are you, sir ?
Mr. Johnston.
I am 36; I believe.
Mr. Hubert.
What is your address ?
Mr. Johnston.
My residence address is 100 North Dorothy in Richardson, Tex. My office address is in the County Government Center, 1411 West Beltline Road, Richardson, Tex.
Mr. Hubert.
What is your occupation ?
Mr. Johnston.
I am the elected justice of the peace, precinct No. 2 of Dallas County, Tex.
Mr. Hubert.
Are you a lawyer too ?
Mr. Johnston.
No, sir; I am not an attorney.
Mr. Hubert.
What term are you serving?
Mr. Johnston.
I am serving my second elected term, which expires December 31, 1966.
Mr. Hubert.
The term is for how long ?
Mr. Johnston.
Four years.
Mr. Hubert.
You have been in that office for how long?
Mr. Johnston.
-I took office January 1, 1959. Prior to that I was with the
Dallas County Sheriff's Department for 9 1/2 years.
Mr. Hubert.
Under Sheriff Decker ?
Mr. Johnston.
Under Sheriff Decker; yes.
Mr. Hubert.
What are the general duties of the justice of the peace in Texas?
Mr. Johnston.
The justice of the peace in Texas has civil jurisdiction up to $200 in civil matters; has misdemeanor jurisdiction as provided by the statutes for criminal offenses of a misdemeanor nature in which the fine does not exceed $200 plus the costs. He is the acting coroner under our statutes. He is a magistrate. He can hold courts of inquiry, issue search warrants or any process relevant to a felonious act in the State of Texas.
Mr. Hubert.
How many such justices are there in Dallas County ?
Mr. Johnston.
In Dallas County there are 10.
Mr. Hubert.
Is it based on geographical area division?
Mr. Johnston.
It is divided into precincts, but in criminal matters, the 10 have coextensive jurisdiction with the county and in some cases with the
