Legal Definitions - commission of the peace

Commission of the Peace

A commission of the peace is an appointment of a person to maintain peace and order in a local area. Originally, this meant providing police protection, but over time, those who received these appointments also gained judicial responsibilities and became known as justices of the peace.

One example of a commission of the peace is when a local government appoints a person to be responsible for keeping the peace in a particular area. This person may be given the power to arrest individuals who are causing trouble or breaking the law. Another example is when a judge is appointed as a justice of the peace, giving them the authority to preside over certain legal matters, such as small claims cases.

These examples illustrate how a commission of the peace can involve both law enforcement and judicial responsibilities. It is a way for local governments to ensure that peace and order are maintained in their communities, and for individuals to be given the authority to carry out these responsibilities.