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Royal Federation of Justices' Associations
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Introductions
The Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Associations welcomes you to its site. The site offers information to both Justices of the Peace and to other interested people and organizations.
Why not take the time to learn a little more?
Your inquiry may be to find a JP near you. Just click on the Yellow Pages link and search "Justice of the Peace" and the required location details.
This site is a growing source of information so please check it out regularly.
Complaints
The new Act formalises an extensive process relating to the maintenance of professional standards amongst Justices of the Peace which while previously covered by our internal polices now has legislative force. The passing of the Justices of the Peace Amendment Act has not seen any material increase in the overall numbers of complaints received by Associations, Royal Federation or the Ministry.
The new processes mandated by the Minister in the “Best Practices Manual” have been extensively consulted on and circulated to Associations at all stages. Specific details are as shown in the Manual itself and Associations have additional supporting guidance from the Registrar who, in conjunction with the President, Vice President and the relevant Regional Representative in this regards, effectively act as de facto Directors of Professional Standards for Royal Federation.
Code of Ethics | Top of Page
Judicial Activities
Royal Federation again acknowledges the active commitment and support for our work from the Chief District Court Judge, Russell Johnson and his colleagues in the country’s District Courts.
All Justices of the Peace carry out important functions in the administration of documentation and justice in New Zealand. These functions are divided into two categories, Ministerial (all JPs) and Judicial (some 460 qualified JPs).
Ministerial duties include:
- Witnessing documents
- Certifying copies
- Taking declarations, affidavits or affirmations
Judicial Duties include:
- Hearing summary offences
- Presiding over preliminary hearings
- Conducting traffic courts
- Hearing bail applications and requests for remands and adjournments
- Issuing search warrants
There are additional duties under each of these categories - the above are examples only. A number of Justices of the Peace also act as Visiting Justices to Corrections facilities and others serve as relieving Coroners. Judicial Justices also undergo tertiary legal and ongoing training. These number four percent of all JPs. Along with the jury system they represent the involvement of ordinary people in the administration of Justice.
Appointment as a Justice of the Peace entails more than receiving a title. JPs commit themselves to serve their community for no reward. The services of a JP in New Zealand are provided free. Your local JP is happy to be of service but the courtesy of making an appointment at a convenient time is always appreciated.
The office is an ancient one, which continues to evolve and adapt. Perhaps you would be interested to browse through the history section or the section on what JPs do. Should you have a query not met by the web site, an email can be sent to the heading Feedback at the bottom of the left column. The Events section will be of particular interest to members of our Associations.
There are twenty-nine Associations throughout New Zealand and the Royal Federation represents these Associations.
Alison Thomson, President.
Royal Federation of New Zealand Justices' Associations (Inc)
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