The formation of a Justices' Association was first suggested about the year 1897 and assumed practical shape on August 8th,1898, when at a large meeting of Justices held in the Adelaide Town Hall Reception Room and presided over by the Lord Mayor, Mr. Chas. Tucker, MP, it was resolved that a Justices' Association be formed, to be worked on the lines of the Municipal Association and other local institutions for the purpose of assisting Justices to acquire a more correct knowledge of their duties.

The formal inauguration of the Association took place on Wednesday, May 24th, 1899, in the Banqueting Room of the Adelaide Town Hall. The Chief Justice, The Right Honourable S. J. Way, Bart.., PC, DCL, LID, officiated and kindly delivered a most interesting address. He said the objects of the Association necessarily appealed to him as it appealed to his learned colleagues. He willingly bore testimony from his own judicial experience to the conscientiousness and intelligence with which the duties of Justices are generally discharged and hoped the Association would tend to a still more satisfactory administration of Justice by setting its members higher ideals, inspiring a deeper sense of responsibility and promoting knowledge and efficiency. The office was one of great public advantage for it brought justice to every man's door and familiarised him with the administration of it and educated in him a love of fair play and honest dealing between man and man. The office was an exceedingly difficult one because Justices had to be acquainted with the provisions of the Criminal and Civil Law, the common law of England and the Statute Law of South Australia. They also had to obtail some knowledge of the law of evidence and procedure. The office was a responsible one and the Justices were liable, both criminally and civilly, for misconduct while in the exercise of their duty. The Association would result in the greater efficiency of Justices and he had much pleasure in declaring the Association duly constituted thus being the first Justices' Association in Australia.

(adapted from The Honorary Magistrate, August, 1904)

Notice for Incorporation was advertised on March 12th 1904.

The first issue of the Association's official journal, The Honorary Magistrate, was published in August 1904.

In November, 1962, the State Council changed its title to "The Royal Association of Justices of South Australia Inc.", having been granted the right to use the prefix "Royal" by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth ll.

The Association is a non-profit, non-political and non-sectarian organisation established to promote and support Justices of the Peace. The Association aims to "inspire a deeper sense of responsibility and promote knowledge and efficiency" and currently provides training and development so that JPs have the opportunity to be up-to-date with legislative and procedural changes in documentation. This occurs through the publication of the quarterly journal, the Honorary Magistrate, training sessions and regular interaction at District Group meetings. Currently, of the approximate total of 9600 Justices of the Peace in South Australia, 4000 are members of the Royal Association of Justices of SA Inc.

Until the end of 1997, Justices were rostered daily to conduct Justices' Courts in both Metropolitian and Country Courts - this is currently under review. Their contribution in the field of documentation is, and will continue to be, of lasting benefit to the community. Many Justices are appointed as Prison Inspectors visiting gaols, or sitting on Prison Tribunals, or working in conjunction with the State Ombudsman in hearing complaints etc. Other activities include giving service to Councils, Libraries and Courts where they are available to witness and attest all types of documents for both Court personnel and the public.

There are currently 7 metropolitian and 15 country groups of the Association providing a substantial support network for JPs.

The administration office of the Royal Association of Justices of South Australia Inc.
is located in the Education Centre, 31 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000.
Postal Address: GPO Box 2851, Adelaide SA 5001.
Phone: 8224 0377   Fax: 8224 0322
email: enquiries@rajsa.com.au