Common questions
What is the role of a JP?
Who are Special Justices?
Are there JPs that speak other languages?
How do I make a complaint?
How can I volunteer as a JP?
Can I use the title "JP (Retired)"?
What is the role of a JP?
The role of the JP is to act as an independent and objective witness to documents people use for official or legal purposes. For example, a JP may:
- Attest the execution of a document
- Witness an affidavit for use in court
- Witness a statutory declaration
- Certify a true copy of an original document
- Certify a person’s identity
Who are Special Justices?
Special Justices sit in the Magistrates and Youth Courts to hear minor matters.
To become a Special Justice a person must be a JP and be selected to complete a TAFE SA course designed for Special Justices.
If you are a JP and interested in becoming a Special Justice, please contact Justice of the Peace Services to check your eligibility.
Are there JPs that speak other languages?
Yes. The Roll of JPs contains JPs who speak languages other than English.
To find a JP who speaks a specific language, go to the online Roll of JPs and select the language by using the drop-down list.
How do I make a complaint?
Complaints against JPs who breach the Code of Conduct must be made in writing and lodged with Justice of the Peace Services. The person making the complaint must provide the name of the JP, the ID number (if possible) and details of the incident. Complaints must be made on the Justice of the Peace Services Feedback and Complaints Form (117KB, DOC).
Investigations of breaches of the Justice of the Peace Code of Conduct by Justice of the Peace Services may result in disciplinary action being taken against JPs under the JP Act and Regulations.
How can I volunteer as a JP?
The Attorney-General Department’s JP Volunteer Service operates from Monday to Friday at Level 4 91-97 Grenfell Street, Adelaide and is looking for JPs who are interested in offering their time either in the morning (9am-1pm) or afternoon (1pm-5pm) at least once a month.
For more information or to register your interest, please call Justice of the Peace Services on 8207 1725 or email: jpservices@agd.sa.gov.au.
Councils, libraries, courts and community organisations also often provide a JP service to the community which you could become involved with. Contact your Local Council, library, court or community organisation for further information.
Can I use the title "JP (Retired)"?
JPs who resign after having served the office for 20 years can use the title “JP (Retired))”.
Before you use this title check the JP Act and Regulations. An extract of your legislative obligations available to download, or you can read the full Act and Regulations at the SA Legislation website.
