Legal Definitions - J.P.

J.P.

J.P. is an abbreviation for Justice of the Peace.

A Justice of the Peace is a judicial officer who has the authority to perform a variety of legal tasks, such as issuing warrants, performing marriages, and presiding over small claims court cases. They are typically elected officials who serve at the local level.

Examples of situations where a J.P. may be involved include:

• Performing a marriage ceremony for a couple
• Issuing a warrant for someone's arrest
• Presiding over a small claims court case

These examples illustrate the diverse range of responsibilities that a Justice of the Peace may have. They are often called upon to perform important legal tasks that affect people's lives in significant ways.