justice of the peace

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

ˈjus•tice of the ˈpeace, n. [countable]

1. Government a local public officer having authority to decide minor civil and criminal cases in court, to administer oaths, to perform marriages, etc.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

jus′tice of the peace′, 

1. Government a local public officer, usually having jurisdiction to try and determine minor civil and criminal cases and to hold preliminary examinations of persons accused of more serious crimes, and having authority to administer oaths, solemnize marriages, etc.

• Middle English 1325–75

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

justice of the peace noun

1. (in Britain) a lay magistrate, appointed by the crown or acting ex officio, whose function is to preserve the peace in his or her area, try summarily such cases as are within his or her jurisdiction, and perform miscellaneous administrative duties
2. (in Australia and New Zealand) a person authorised to administer oaths, attest instruments, and take declarations