Justice of the peace
A justice of the peace (JP) is a judicial officer, elected or appointed to a local court that has limited jurisdiction.[1] In some locations a JP deals with traffic violations, parking tickets and may have the authority to perform marriages ceremonies.[2] In many places they are the entry-level courts that most criminal cases pass through.[3] JP courts were popular in early history, but are now found mostly in rural areas.[3] Otherwise people would have to travel longer distances to other courts of law.[3]
History
[change | change source]In 1195, a proclamation of Richard I of England local knights were appointed to keep order.[4] In 1264, "Keepers of the Peace were appointed in every county to serve the king.[4] Such men were called "Justice of the Peace" beginning in about 1362.[4] When colonists came to British North America they brought with them the common law system that included JPs.[4] In France, "Lords of the Court" administered justice. After 1789, justices of the peace were elected.[4]
Requirements
[change | change source]While the requirements vary from one jurisdiction to another, generally, to become a JP there are few if any educational requirements.[5] An application is filled out and usually there is a fee.[5] Justices may be chosen by their qualifications and references. Many have law degrees while others may have taken a few law classes.[5]
References
[change | change source]- ↑ "Justice of the Peace". The Free Dictionary/Farlex. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- ↑ "Justice of the Peace". duhaime.org. Retrieved 25 March 2016.[permanent dead link]
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 "Justice of the Peace Law & Legal Definition". US Legal. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 "A Brief History of JPs". Justice of the Peace Association LLC. Archived from the original on 29 January 2016. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Silas Reed. "What Are The Requirements To Become A Justice Of The Peace". LawCrossing. Archived from the original on 15 February 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
Other websites
[change | change source]- Justice of the Peace, Texas Association of Counties Archived 2016-03-24 at the Wayback Machine
- How to Become a Justice of the Peace in Canada
- Justice of the Peace in Australia
- Becoming a Magistrate in England and Wales
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