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justice of the peace
noun phrase
: a local magistrate empowered chiefly to administer summary justice in minor cases, to commit for trial, and to administer oaths and perform marriages
Examples of justice of the peace in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Williamson County justices of the peace say medical examiner needed for volume of deaths
The total budget for the county has jumped from $560.1 million last year to $635.1 million this year, according to county figures.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman, 28 Aug. 2024
The new positions include four death investigators to help the justices of the peace.
—Claire Osborn, Austin American-Statesman, 28 Aug. 2024
Each court has one justice of the peace and one constable.
—Jimmy Jenkins, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
Arroyo went through the eviction process herself during the pandemic and said that experience motivated her to run for justice of the peace.
—Elena Santa Cruz, The Arizona Republic, 11 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of justice of the peace was
in the 15th century
Dictionary Entries Near justice of the peace
Cite this Entry
“Justice of the peace.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/justice%20of%20the%20peace. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
justice of the peace
: a local official having the authority to try minor cases, to administer oaths, and to perform marriages
Legal Definition
justice of the peace
: a local judicial official who is empowered chiefly to administer oaths, perform marriage ceremonies, certify documents, and in some states may have additional judicial powers (as to issue summonses)
More from Merriam-Webster on justice of the peace
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for justice of the peace
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about justice of the peace
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