Justice of the peace handbook

This handbook is designed to provide you with information to assist you in carrying out the functions of a Justice of the Peace (JP) for the state of Victoria.

All about JPs in the past and how the role has evolved.

Honorary Justice Services Support (HJSS) is here to help.

As a JP, you will deal with matters of great importance to people’s lives.

Complaints can be made by any person, including an honorary justice who wishes to make a complaint about another honorary justice.

As a JP, your details will be included in the 'Find a JP' listings on the justice website.

Copy of an original document that contains an endorsement or certification that it is a true copy of the original.

A JP's key function is to act as an independent and objective witness to documents people use for official or legal purposes.

A legally recognised written statement made by a person who promises that its contents are truthful.

A written statement made by a person who swears an oath or makes an affirmation, that the contents of the statement are truthful.

A legal document that allows a person to conduct another person’s financial, legal, or personal affairs.

A medical treatment decision-maker has replaced the enduring power of attorney (medical treatment).

Statements to assist a person receive their preferred treatment and appoint a person to support them if they require compulsory treatment.

There are significant responsibilities associated with protecting vulnerable people and ensuring they have decision-making capacity when signing these types of document.

Most legal documents are now able to use electronic signatures and online witnessing.

Suggestions that can help you to provide JP functions in an appropriate way to people living with disabilities.

Be aware of and sensitive to the culture and language of people who ask you to perform JP duties.

As JPs ordinarily reside in Victoria, your main function is to witness documents in Victoria.

As a JP you have access to personal information. It is important that you uphold high standards of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

JPs are one type of authorised witness but there are many other authorised witnesses for Victoria. Many  automatically become authorised witnesses because of their profession.

As a JP you need to carefully consider how you respond to those who are different from you to ensure that you do not behave in a way that is biased or prejudiced.

Comprehensive alphabetical list of organisations' information and contact details.

Templates for the main documents to assist you in your JP service.

Lists of tasks to complete when certifying and witnessing documents.

You will come across many documents that refer to legislation, whether acts of parliament, regulations, or court rules. Find how to access the relevant legislation.

The Honorary Justices Code of Conduct as found in Schedule 2, Honorary Justices Regulations 2014.

Includes a glossary of terms relevant to justices of the peace.