Justice of the Peace

A Justice of the Peace (JP) is a magistrate appointed by a commission to keep the peace, dispense summary justice and deal with local administrative applications in common law jurisdictions. Justices of the Peace are appointed from the citizens of the jurisdiction in which they serve, and are (or were) usually not required to have a formal legal education in order to qualify for the office.

Australia

A Justice of the Peace in most Australian states is someone of good stature in the community who is authorized to witness and sign statutory declarations and affidavits. Criteria for appointment varies widely depending on the state. For example, in Queensland, a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) must complete an exam prior to be eligble for appointment, whereas in Victoria, a person need only prove good character by way of references.

Related Topics:
Statutory declaration - Affidavit - Queensland - Victoria

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Queensland

In the state of Queensland, a "Justice of the Peace (Qualified)" has the additional powers to issue search warrants, and (in conjunction with another Justice of the Peace (Qualified)) constitute a magistrates' court and exercise powers to remand defendants in custody, grant bail, and adjourn court hearings.

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Victoria

In Victoria, Justices of the Peace no longer perform judicial function, but a different office of Bail Justice was created to handle after-hours bail applications, and various other minor judicial functions. They are appointed in a similar fashion to JP's, however must undergo training prior to appointment.

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New South Wales

Similarly, Justices of the Peace perform few judicial functions, if any. Those justices employed by the Attorney General's Department can issue some kinds of warrant, and perform minor judicial functions. Many Justices of the Peace so employed work in the Courts, and hold office therein. These justices may have authority to handle bail matters outside normal court sitting hours.

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Interestingly, a great number of pharmacists are Justices of the Peace, which is useful in certain situations. Justices of the Peace can also easily be located in courthouses and some municipal councils. Many state governments maintain online registers, containing contact details of JP's, for public reference, such as that provided by the New South Wales Government here.

Related Topics:
Pharmacists - New South Wales

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