The Royal Association of Justices is the official association for Justices of the Peace in South Australia and represents its members in policy and administrative matters relevant to the role and function of Justices of the Peace.

The Association consists of a Council elected by its members, presided over by a President elected by the Council, and an administrative office for the conduct of the business of the Association.

The role of the Association is to represent its members for the furtherance of the services Justices of the Peace provide to the community. A significant contribution is the co-ordination of members in providing Justices of the Peace within Court Precincts, Local Government Offices, Correctional Institutions and Libraries in various roles.

To ensure that appropriate standards are maintained, the Association provides its members with the opportunity for training and development in the various duties of the Justice of the Peace and the delivery of these services to the community.


Justices Groups

Justices Groups are formed under the Constitution and Rules of the Royal Association of Justices and provide a tangible link between the members of the Group and the Councillors of the Association.

The function of Justices Groups is to involve community minded Justices of the Peace in the following:

• training and development;
  
  
• exchange of ideas and lessons learnt through community services;
  
  
• flow of information to and from the Association; and
  
  
• support and comaraderie.

Appointment of Justices of the Peace

The Governor, on the recommendation of the Attorney-General, may appoint suitable persons to be a Justice of the Peace under the Justices of the Peace Act, 2005.

Citizens of Australia over the age of 18 years can apply to the Attorney-General's Department to become a JP. Persons appointed must reside within South Australia and be of good character.

JP appointments are no longer made for life. JPs are now appointed for up to ten years. There is no requirement in the Code of Conduct that a JP resign their commission if convicted of a criminal offence. However, they must write to the Attorney-General within 14 days of being convicted of an offence (other than an offence that is expiable).


What does a Justice of the Peace do?

JPs are authorised to witness and attest many documents such as:

• Statutory Declarations;
  
  
• Affidavits;
  
  
• Waiver of Rights;
  
  
• Search Warrants;
  
  
• Drug Warrants;
  
  
• Divorce documents;
  
  
• Certify copies of original documents;
  
  
• Witness the signing of Power of Attorney and Guardianship documents, providing the JP is satisfied with the capability of the signatory.

Some JPs volunteer their time to sit in "Daily Rooms" in the Courts to assist in the processing of court documents as well as being available to the public for general witnessing duties.

JPs also attend many Libraries and Council Offices on a roster basis to make themselves more accessible to the public. Some JPs are appointed as Prison Inspectors whilst others may be required to assist in a Prison Tribunal or an Adoption Court hearing.

A South Australian initiative by the State Ombudsman is the appointment of JPs in rural areas to act as delegates to the Ombudsman under the Justice Access Referral Program. Similarly, JPs may also be appointed under the Aboriginal Justice Access Referral Program to promote access to justice and awareness of the administration within Aboriginal communities throughout the State. The Multicultural Justice Access Referral Program provides simple and effective access to justice for ethnic communities and people of non-English speaking backgrounds.

JPs are expected to be available to the public at all reasonable hours and be prepared to visit a signatory if necessary whilst maintaining an air of dignity in regard to the undertaking of the matter at hand.


A Justice of the Peace does not:

• charge for services provided;
  
  
• provide legal advice; or
  
  
• use their position for personal or financial gain or advantage.

Where can I find a Justice of the Peace ?

The administration office of the Association is located in the Education Centre, 31 Flinders Street, Adelaide SA 5000. Staff will provide you with the phone numbers of some JPs nearest to you. Contact details for the office are listed at the bottom of this page.

JP Services at the Attorney-General's Department have JPs on duty in the "Daily Room" 9am-5pm most days. This is located at: 9th Floor, 50 Pirie Street, Adelaide, ph 8207 1725.

Some Libraries and Council Offices have JPs rostered at different times. An enquiry to your Council for the time of service is recommended.

JPs are usually available at the metropolitan Magistrates Courts and the Family Court. Again, an enquiry about availability is recommended.

All Areas - Contact the Association's administration office from 9-00am to 4-30pm, Monday to Friday. After hours refer to Group Contacts page for your local Justice of the Peace.