The Role and Functions of a Justice of the Peace
Justices of the Peace play an important role in the delivery of court services to their communities. As a lay officer of the court, a JP has a responsibility to perform specific judicial duties based on authorities granted by the Chief Judge and the judge supervising the JP program.
While those authorities may change from time to time, based on circumstances and the requirements of the Chief Judge and the court, the exercise of responsibilities that are judicial in nature remain a constant for JPs.
A JP’s conduct must accord to certain acceptable standards of conduct, standards which will ensure the maintenance of the position’s credibility in the eyes of the public as well as meeting the requirements of judicial independence inherent in the position.
All Justices of the Peace are trained before taking on responsibility. As well, a strong program of continuing education is offered under the direction of the Supervising Judge of the JP program and the Yukon Justice of the Peace Association.
There is a wide range of responsibilities a JP may undertake, what responsibilities a JP acquires depends on the needs in each community as well as upon what each JP desires to do and the amount of training they receive.
Duties could include receiving Informations, issuing court summons and warrants, conducting pre-trial conferences, presiding in docket court, conducting judicial interim release hearings and dealing with preliminary applications of various kinds.
Justices of the Peace are also ex officio marriage commissioners.
What Does It Take To Be A Justice Of The Peace?
Good common sense. A strong sense of fairness. An ability to listen to all sides of a matter. A respect for people from all walks of life regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, age, mental or physical disability, or social standing. Strong values in regard to right and wrong.
If you have any questions, you may wish to talk to a JP. A list of JPs in your community is available from the RCMP detachment in your community or by contacting Tera LaBar, Senior Judicial Assistant: Telephone: (867) 667-5438, Fax: (867) 393-6400 or E-mail: tera.labar@yukoncourts.ca
Yukon Justice of the Peace Application Process
Step One:
Contact the Senior Judicial Assistant to receive a copy of the application form by email: tera.labar@yukoncourts.ca, or by phone (867) 667-5438.
Complete application and criminal records check from RCMP
Return completed application form and criminal records check to:
Territorial Court of Yukon
Chief Judge
Judges' Chambers
P.O. Box 2703, J-3E
Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 2C6
The application form may also be submitted by email to the Senior Judicial Assistant at tera.labar@yukoncourts.ca .
Step Two:
Judicial Council reviews all applications.
• Determines need in community of applicant.
• Interviews applicant.
• Checks references.
Step Three:
Judicial Council selects candidates to recommend to Minister of Justice.
Step Four:
Minister of Justice decides appointment.
Step Five
Judge swears in new Justice of the Peace
Yukon Justice of the Peace Program Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
Territorial Court of Yukon
Judges’ Chambers
2134 – 2nd Avenue, 4th Floor
Whitehorse, Yukon
Y1A 5H6
Phone: 867-667-5438
Fax: 867-393-6400