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JUSTICES OF THE PEACE
What are the functions of a JP?
A JP is a person of unquestionable integrity who seeks to promote and protect the rights of the individual and helps to give justice to those persons in a particular community. Additionally, the JP:-
- Serves as a Justice in Petty Sessions Court. A JP hears and determines complaints brought by citizens and the police against other citizens where the cause of the complaint takes place in the parish in which the Court sits.
- Attends the Juvenile Courts.The JP assists the judge in dealing with matters affecting juveniles.
- Issues summons This is done to compel persons to attend court. At other times a JP may have to issue a warrant for the search of premises believed to contain illegal goods or persons. The JP may also issue a warrant for the arrest of any person who – on reasonable grounds – is believed to have committed a criminal offence.
- Considers applications for bail A JP will do this in respect of persons who have been arrested and are in police custody.
- Attends at police stations This is done in order to ensure that the proper procedures are followed where arrested persons, who are in police custody, make statements under caution. The JP will also see to it that proper procedures are followed with respect to those persons who are placed in identification parades.
- Explains and signs documents Persons often seek the help of a JP with regards to wills, transfers, common law titles and other kinds of legal documents;
- Sits on licensing panels These panels consider and grant applications for licenses at Spirit Licence sessions.
- Gives counsel and advice A JP is often required to listen to and, where possible, help persons who experience various kinds of problems and seek the advice of a leader in the community.
In order to realize these objectives he/she seeks to demonstrate a commitment to promoting harmony in the community.
A JP must not charge or accept ‘reward’ for any service he/she performs in that office.
Each JP is part of the community and represents the community as a whole. With this in mind you should.
Who can become a JP?
Any Jamaican citizen between the ages of 25 and 70, who is able to speak and write English, may be eligible to become a JP. Additionally, any person wanting to become a JP is expected to:- be a mature individual who commands the respect and confidence of his/her community members;
- holds a record of having given good service and leadership to his/her community (or the country) and should show the potential for further good service; and,
- be able to communicate and interact at all levels and with all types of individuals in his/her community.
How is one chosen and appointed a JP
Any citizen, club, organization or other such body or enterprise, can recommend that an individual be appointed a JP. The recommendation must be made to the Custos of the parish in which the individual lives.
Having received this recommendation, the Custos will then instruct that enquiries be made into the background of the person recommended. This is a precautionary measure to ensure that the individual under consideration is indeed suitable for the position of responsibility that goes with being a JP.
Every parish has an advisory committee – made up of the Custos, the Resident Magistrate and the Superintendent of Police – which is constantly reviewing the requirements of each community to ensure that there are enough JPs to meet the needs of their Petty Sessions and juvenile Courts. These parish advisory committees also ensure that there is an adequate supply of JPs willing and able to sign documents for the public throughout the parish.
The Custos submits the names of those persons approved by the advisory committee to the Ministry of Justice, and the minister then sends his/her recommendations to the Governor-General. Each appointment is by Commission. Those appointed to become JPs must take an ‘oath of office’, for only then can they be called Justices of the Peace, and be permitted to discharge the functions of that office.
- Meet and get to know the JP in your community and make sure that the JP knows you. If your JP does not know you , he/she will not be able to sign documents that require a declaration to be made on your behalf.
- Respect your JP and be honest with him/her in all your dealings. Do not give false or misleading information, which may undermine the position of the JP and, ultimately, discredit your community as a whole.
Involve your JP as a community leader if you have a problem with another citizen. Do not take matters into your own hands, seek the advice of your JP and talk things out together. He/she will be more than willing to help you seek a resolution.
Source: http://www.moj.gov.jm/jp
