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There are 2 categories of JP authority: ministerial and judicial.

All JPs can assist you with ministerial matters, but only JPs who have undergone a special course can assist with judicial matters.

Ministerial duties

  • Witnessing signatures
  • Certifying documents
  • The witnessing of Land Transfer and other documents
  • The taking of declarations, affidavits or affirmations

Judicial duties

Involve suitably trained Justices attending the District Court to carry out such functions as:

  • Jurisdiction determined by statute, including minor offences and some traffic cases
  • Issue of remands and Bail
  • Hearing of undefended cases
  • Presiding over defended trials
  • Committal hearings of indictable offences
  • The receiving of informations and complaints and the issue of summonses
  • The issue of search warrants
  • The issue of summonses to witnesses

Further information about Justices of the Peace


coat of arms

Justices of the Peace website

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