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.

New Zealand

A Justice of the Peace in New Zealand is someone of good stature in the community who is authorized to witness and sign statutory declarations and affidavits.

Related Topics:
Statutory declaration - Affidavit

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They also have certain powers to issue search warrants, and (in conjunction with another Justice of the Peace) may try minor criminal trials in the District Court and exercise powers to remand defendants in custody, grant bail, and adjourn court hearings.

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