Justice of the Peace

Justice of the Peace

Also known as a JP, a Justice of the Peace is a judicial officer who can perform a number of specified judicial duties within the Province of Nova Scotia.

Below are some frequently asked questions about Justices of the Peace:

  1. What can a Justice of the Peace do?
  2. How can I find a Justice of the Peace?
  3. How does a person get appointed as an Administrative Justice of the Peace?
  4. Can a Justice of the Peace perform a marriage ceremony?
  5. How can I make a complaint about a Justice of the Peace?

 

1. What can a Justice of the Peace do?

A Justice of the Peace can administer oaths, perform weddings, and conduct trials, among other duties. In Nova Scotia, there are three different types of JPs:

a) Administrative Justice of the Peace

These are private citizens who have been appointed by the Minister of Justice. Administrative JPs do not have a law degree and are not employed by the Department of Justice. They are authorized to perform the following duties:

  • perform a civil wedding
  • administer an oath or swear an affidavit (this is a sworn statement in writing or by videotape)
  • issue a summons (this is an order issued by a Judge, JP, or clerk commanding an accused person to appear before the court to answer to the allegations as set out on the summons)
  • issue a subpoena (this is a written order commanding a person to appear in court to testify as a witness)

b) Presiding Justice of the Peace

Presiding JPs must be practicing, or formerly practicing, lawyers who have a minimum of five years of practice experience. These people may be appointed on a full-time or part-time basis. They are authorized to perform duties related to some criminal law matters. These include issuing warrants and conducting arraignments and trials for some types of cases.

c) Staff Justice of the Peace

These people are employed by the Court Services Division of the Department of Justice and work primarily in Justice Centres. They are appointed by the Minister of Justice to serve as a JP while they are employed with Court Services or until their appointment is revoked. Staff JPs have many of the same powers as presiding JPs with some qualifications and exceptions. Some Staff JPs are also authorized to perform civil weddings.

2. How can I find a Justice of the Peace?

Click here to find a JP.

3. How does a person get appointed as an Administrative Justice of the Peace?

Justices of the Peace are appointed as required in certain areas of the Province of Nova Scotia. When vacancies occur, advertisements are placed in the newspaper requesting applications from interested individuals along with details on how to submit your application.

4. Can a Justice of the Peace perform a marriage ceremony?

Yes, a JP who has the proper training may be authorized to perform civil wedding ceremonies. Contact your local Justice Centre to find out more information about being married by a JP.

For more information about civil weddings, click here.

5. How can I make a complaint about a Justice of the Peace?

There is a different complaints process for each of the JP categories. See below for more details on each.

a) Administrative Justices of the Peace

Complaints should be made in writing and directed to the court administrator at your local Justice Centre. The court administrator may be able to resolve your complaint or may forward it to a director in the Court Services Division of the Department of Justice. For contact information, click here.

b) Presiding Justices of the Peace

For information about making a complaint against a Presiding JP, contact the Justice of the Peace Centre at 1-866-816-6555.

c) Staff Justices of the Peace

Complaints may be made in writing and directed to the court administrator at your local Justice Centre. The court administrator may be able to resolve your complaint or they may forward it to a director in the Court Services Division of the Department of Justice.

Click here to download our Public Complaints Brochure which includes a form you must fill out in order to lodge a complaint.

Click here to locate Justice Centres.