Justice-of-the-peace


noun
1.
a local public officer, usually having jurisdiction to try and determine minor civil and criminal cases and to hold preliminary examinations of persons accused of more serious crimes, and having authority to administer oaths, solemnize marriages, etc.
noun
1.
(in Britain) a lay magistrate, appointed by the crown or acting ex officio, whose function is to preserve the peace in his area, try summarily such cases as are within his jurisdiction, and perform miscellaneous administrative duties
2.
(in Australia and New Zealand) a person authorised to administer oaths, attest instruments, and take declarations

A local officer of the judicial branch empowered to try minor cases, recommend cases for trial, and perform civil ceremonies, such as marriages and oath taking. Justices of the peace are usually elected locally and are paid fees for their services.

Read Also:

  • Justice of the peace court

    noun 1. (in Scotland, formerly) a court with limited criminal jurisdiction held by justices of the peace in counties: replaced in 1975 by the district court

  • Justicer

    [juhs-tuh-ser] /ˈdʒʌs tə sər/ noun, Archaic. 1. a judge or magistrate.

  • Justiceship

    [juhs-tis-ship] /ˈdʒʌs tɪsˌʃɪp/ noun 1. the office of a . /ˈdʒʌstɪsˌʃɪp/ noun 1. the rank or office of a justice

  • Justicia

    [juh-stish-ee-uh] /dʒʌˈstɪʃ i ə/ noun 1. any of numerous plants and shrubs of the genus Justicia, which includes the shrimp plant and water willow.

  • Justiciar

    [juh-stish-ee-er] /dʒʌˈstɪʃ i ər/ noun 1. a high judicial officer in medieval England. 2. the chief political and judicial officer in England from the reign of William I to that of Henry III. 3. (def 2). /dʒʌˈstɪʃɪˌɑː/ noun 1. (English legal history) the chief political and legal officer from the time of William I to […]


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