Justice Of The Peace Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term Justice Of The Peace.

Justice of the Peace (noun)

A Justice of the Peace, often shortened to JP, is a local public official who has the authority to handle minor legal matters. Their duties commonly include overseeing small claims court cases, officiating marriages, handling traffic offenses, mediating minor domestic disputes, and performing other basic legal services. This person aids in maintaining law and order at the most basic community level.