What Was A Justice Of The Peace?

The justice of the peace is a very ancient appointment. In 1277 and 1287, Keepers of the Peace were appointed by a commissioned under the Great Seal of the King to keep the peace in local areas. Usually they had authority for a single count.

These keepers of the peace acquired the name justice of the peace and the power to try minor offences, by a statute of 1361. They gave their services without pay but were required to be rich enough to be able to do this. Noone could become a justice of the peace if they did not hold lands worth less than £20 per year.

In the 14th century, the number of justices in each county was increased to 6 and later to 8. In 1461, cases previously brought before the county Sherriff were transferred to the JPs and by 1565 there were between 30 and 40 magistrates in each county.

Today, magistrates/ justices of the peace hold preliminary hearings and make judgements on minor cases.