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.

United States

In some U.S. states, the Justice of the Peace is a judge of a court of limited jurisdiction.

Related Topics:
U.S. state - Judge - Court - Jurisdiction

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The justice of the peace typically presides over a court that hears misdemeanor cases, traffic violation and other petty criminal infractions. The justice of the peace may also have authority over cases involving small debts, landlord and tenant disputes, or other small claims court proceedings. Proceedings before the Justice of the Peace are often faster and less formal than the proceedings in other courts. In some jurisdictions a party convicted or found liable before the Justice of the Peace may have the right to a trial de novo before the judge of a higher court rather than an appeal strictly considered. The Justice of the Peace is also the judge to whom parties seeking a civil marriage can repair.

Related Topics:
Misdemeanor - Debt - Landlord - Tenant - Small claims court - Trial de novo - Appeal - Marriage

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In many states the office of Justice of the Peace has been abolished or transferred to another court, such as the magistrate court.

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In the past American Justices of the Peace held greater power.

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