The office of justice of the peace, or JP, extends back to Colonial times. Over the years, many states abolished the JP system, but JPs still exist in a handful of states. They are best known for officiating at weddings, but today's JPs have other duties, including administering oaths and, in some states, presiding over minor criminal and civil matters.
Varied Requirements
According to the National Directory of Justices of the Peace, the office of JP exists in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Texas, Louisiana and Vermont. In addition, a few other states, including Delaware and Oregon, have retained the office. The process of becoming a justice of the peace depends on the state in which you live. In some states, JPs are appointed, while in others people are elected to the position. Most justices of the peace are not lawyers. However, states have differing legal education or continuing education and training requirements that sitting JPs must complete.
Appointment
In Massachusetts, Delaware and New Hampshire, the governor appoints justices of the peace. To become a JP in Massachusetts, you should first check with the secretary of state's office to see if the city or town in which you reside has a vacancy. If a vacancy exists, you can file an application for appointment. Candidates must be of good standing and be active in their communities. The application must be signed by five prominent community members. Anyone wanting to be a justice of the peace in New Hampshire must be a resident and a registered voter of the state. Applications for appointment are available from the New Hampshire secretary of state. Applicants must pay a fee and pass a state police records check. The application then goes to the governor and executive council for consideration. Delaware has only one JP court. Connecticut's JPs are appointed through a process that is controlled by the Democratic and Republican parties, as well as the clerks of each city and town in the state. In brief, each Connecticut city and town allocates one-third of its JPs each to Democrats, Republicans and independents. The parties have their own rules for who is appointed and how.
Election
In Texas, Louisiana, Oregon and Vermont, JP is an elected position. In Texas, JPs serve four-year terms; in Louisiana and Oregon, six; and in Vermont, two. Each state's laws for seeking elective office apply to people interested in running for JP.
