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Who is a Justice of the Peace?
A Justice of the Peace (JP) is a person of unquestionable integrity who seeks to promote and protect the rights of individuals and helps to give justice to those persons in a particular community.
The Ministry of Justice, provides supervision for the various processes involved in the appointment of Justices of the Peace and ensures that records are accurately maintained.
The position of Justice of the Peace originated in England in 1361 with the passing of the Justice of the Peace Act. The "peace" to be guarded was the "King's (Sovereign's) peace".
The office of a Justice of the Peace is a voluntary one; therefore a JP must not charge a fee or accept any reward for services performed in this capacity. Justices of the Peace are not usually required to have a formal legal education in order to qualify for the office. However, every JP is expected to complete a period of training before he/she is commissioned into office. JPs are governed by a Code of Conduct
How is a Justice of the Peace Selected?
Applications for appointment shall be submitted in writing, in such form as may be prescribed (if any), to the Custos of the Parish for which the applicant is eligible to be appointed pursuant to Section 8 (1) of the Justices of the Peace Act, 2018
Two (2) letters of recommendation from any of the following categories of persons must be submitted with the application to the Custos: Pastor, Justice of the Peace and/ or a Senior Police Officer
Having received this recommendation, the Custos will then instruct that enquiries be made into the background of the person so recommended. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that the individual under consideration is suitable for the position of a JP.
Every parish has an Advisory Committee which deliberates and selects persons deemed to be qualified to become Justice of the Peace. It is made up of the Custos, the Senior Parish Court Judge and the Superintendent of Police and is constantly reviewing the requirements of each community to ensure that there are enough JPs to meet the needs of the community, the Courts of Petty Sessions, the Juvenile Courts and the Drug Court. These parish Advisory Committees also ensure that there is an adequate supply of JPs willing and able to sign documents for the public throughout the parish.
The Custos submits the names of persons approved by the Advisory Committee to the Minister of Justice who has responsibility for making recommendations to the Governor General.
Each appointment is by Commission.
Every JP must be trained prior to being commissioned.
By virtue of the Oath of Office taken at appointment, a JP undertakes to ‘well and truly serve the Office of Justice of the Peace’. The JP is given the instrument of office and the official seal authorizing the discharge of the functions of that office.
Criteria for appointment as a Justice of the Peace
Be a Jamaican citizen who is resident in Jamaica at the time of appointment, and is able to read and speak English fluently
Be at least 23 years old
Be a person of unquestionable integrity and who commands the respect and confidence of the local community
Be a person who has given good service to the community and the wider Jamaica and who demonstrates the potential for continued service.
Be able to communicate and interact at all levels and with all types of individuals in his/her community
Duties and Functions of a Justice of the Peace
Serve as a Justice in a Court of Petty Sessions
Attend the Children’s Courts and Drug Court
Consider applications for bail
Attend Police Stations
Explain and sign documents
Sit on Licensing Panels
Spirit License Authority Panel
Give counsel and advice
Mediation
Relevant Acts and Regulations
for the Justices of the Peace
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The versions of the legislation on this website are made available for information only, and any legislation printed from this website has no official status. This page contains legislation that have been passed by the Houses of Parliament and brought into effect prior to 2015.
Legislation passed by the Houses of Parliament since 2009, as well as laws under development (bills), are located at the Jamaica Parliament website www.japarliament.gov.jm.
The Government of Jamaica and the Ministry of Justice make no representation or warranty, expressed or implied and accept no legal liability or responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the legislation posted on this website.
Changes have been made to some of these laws, therefore users should consult the versions of the laws which are printed by the Jamaica Printing Services (1992) Limited located at 77 ½ Duke Street, Kingston, call: 967-2250 or 967-3982.