justice of the peace

American  

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.

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justice of the peace British  

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

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justice of the peace Cultural  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of justice of the peace

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75

Example Sentences

Summary cases are heard by a sheriff or justice of the peace without a jury and can result in prison sentences of up to 12 months and fines of up to £10,000.

From BBC • Sep. 20, 2024

By prescription, the judges consist of Pessac’s mayor, the parish priest, a justice of the peace and several others, including, “preferably,” a gaggle of winegrowers’ wives.

From New York Times • Apr. 30, 2024

Any justice of the peace could stop and question an individual traveling armed without proper cause, disarm them, and impose a peace bond.

From Slate • Dec. 5, 2023

A North Las Vegas justice of the peace could also hear from Chasing Horse’s relatives.

From Washington Times • Feb. 6, 2023

By July 1921, the justice of the peace had closed his inquiries, stating that Anna Brown’s death had come at “the hands of parties unknown”—the same finding as delivered in the Whitehorn inquest.

From "Killers of the Flower Moon" by David Grann