2006-11-02 00:50:25 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
In times past, they were a kind of police magistrate, presiding over minor things (not jury trials). They were never really judges in the strict sense, though many people regarded them as such. Some states have abolished the position.
JPs
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_of_the_Peace
Magistrates:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magistrate
2006-11-02 02:35:50 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Justices of the Peace have a mainly historical role. They used to have quite a bit of respnsibility, similar to a judge but these days no longer possess such roles. The main role of a JP is being able to witness statutory declarations and affidavits. There is also a link between Marriage Celebrants and JPs.
2006-11-02 09:01:58 · answer #2 · answered by London Aussie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋