Interested in becoming a JP?
Eligibility requirements for JPs in NSW
To be eligible for appointment as a Justice of the Peace in NSW, you must:
- be at least 18 years of age
- be nominated by a member of the Legislative Assembly or the Legislative Council (MP or MLC)
- be an Australian citizen or a person who is entitled to vote at a general election, unless the Attorney General exempts the person from having to satisfy this criterion
- be of good character
- consent in writing to confidential inquiries being made as to the person’s suitability for appointment, including a criminal records check
- not be an undischarged bankrupt
- establish that your appointment as a justice of the peace is required for your employment or to fulfil a community-based need for the appointment
The application process
You will need to complete an Application for appointment as a Justice of the Peace in NSW and attach the required documents specified in the form.
Your application must be lodged and endorsed by your local Member of Parliament (MP).
If endorsed, the MP will forward your application to the Justice of the Peace Section of the Community Relations Unit for processing where:
- your application will be checked for completeness and eligibility (incomplete applications cannot be processed and will be returned to you)
- an acknowledgement will be issued to the MP who submitted your application
- a criminal record check will be requested from the NSW Police Force
- if you are assessed as meeting the eligibility criteria for appointment, your name will be placed on a schedule of appointment for the Minister’s recommendation
- once recommended by the Minister, the schedule of appointment will be forwarded to the Governor for approval.
If approved:
- you will be sent notification of your appointment and advised to contact your nearest Local Court and make an appointment to take your Oaths of Office.
Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for notification of appointment to be sent to you.
- you will need to return the completed oath form to the Community Relations Unit within a specified timeframe so that your appointment can be confirmed
- Once your Oaths of Office are processed, a letter will be issued that confirms your appointment and contains details, including your term of appointment and your JP registration number.
JPs must read the current edition of 'A Handbook for JPs in NSW' prior to performing their duties as a JP.
For more information and to download the required forms, please visit the lawlink website.