Justice of the peace

{
  "id": "MLC-T-LAW-002878",
  "term": "Justice of the peace",
  "field": "Law",
  "definition": "A judicial officer of a lower or local court with limited jurisdiction over minor civil and criminal cases. A Justice of the Peace (JP) presides over matters such as traffic violations, small claims, and misdemeanors, and also performs administrative functions like issuing search warrants, setting bail, and officiating marriages. In many jurisdictions, a person holding this office is not required to be a lawyer, distinguishing them from judges in higher courts who must have a law degree.",
  "abbreviation": "JP",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/law/justice-of-the-peace/"
}