1885 private laws – Ch.40 Sec.14

The mayor of said City of Statesville while acting as such is hereby constituted an official court, with all jurisdiction and powers in criminal offences occurring within the limits of said city which now or may hereafter be given by law to justices of the peace, and shall also have jurisdiction to hear and determine all misdemeanors consisting of a violation of the ordinances of said city. The proceedings in said court shall be the same as are now or hereafter shall be prescribed for courts of justices of the peace, and in all cases there shall be a right of appeal. And in all cases where a defendant may be adjudged to be imprisoned by the said mayor, it shall be competent for him to adjudge also that the said defendant work during the period of his confinement in the public streets or other public work of said city.