Return to normal view

Honorary Justices

Volunteer justices of the peace and bail justices are collectively known as 'honorary justices'. Their main roles include: 

• witnessing statutory declarations
• witnessing affidavits
• hearing bail matters outside hours (bail justices only).

Justices of the peace

Justices of the peace (JPs) are volunteers appointed by the Governor in Council who can witness official documents such as statutory declarations and affidavits. There are currently more than 4500 JPs serving in Victoria.

To find a Justice of the Peace in your local area click on the link in 'Related Pages'. 

Changes to the application process for justices of the peace

The Honorary Justice Office in the Courts and Tribunals Unit is implementing changes to the application process in relation to JPs, following recommendations contained in the Advisory Panel Report on the Appropriateness of the Appointment Processes of Justices of the Peace arising from an investigation of Mr Hakki Suleyman (June 2009). A copy of the report is available in 'Related Pages'.

Pending the implementation of the changes, it is expected that the processing of applications will be subject to some delay. If you have a justice of the peace application pending, you will be contacted further in relation to your application in due course.

Bail justices

The role of a volunteer bail justice is to hear bail applications (under the Bail Act 1977) and applications for Interim Accommodation Orders for children (under the Children, Youth and Families Act 2005) within Victoria. A bail justice can remain appointed until the age of 70 however applicants must be under 65. They are often required to rule on bail applications on weekends and late at night when the courts are closed, and also witness statutory declarations and affidavits.

Changes to the application process for bail justices

The Department of Justice is undertaking a review of the role and powers of Justices of the Peace (JPs). It is also reviewing the appointment processes for, and the management and support of, JPs. A paper entitled Review of Justices of the Peace in Victoria has been published for consultation.

The Department of Justice aims to improve the quality of service and support bail justices receive from the Honorary Justice Office (HJO). Therefore, all practices and procedures within the HJO are being reviewed, including the appointment processes for, and the management and support of, bail justices.

Please note that due to this review, any current bail justice applications will be subject to delay. However, it is important to note that bail justice applications can take between three to nine months to process, depending on the availability of applicants to undertake and successfully complete the required self-paced training.

The Honorary Justice Office will keep you advised as to the progress of the review and once completed, bail justice applicants will be contacted in relation to progressing their outstanding applications.

The Honorary Justice Office apologises for any inconvenience and thanks all those who have applied for their patience and for their interest in serving the Victorian community. If you wish to discuss the contents of this circular further, please do not hesitate to contact the Honorary Justice Office on 03 8608 6018.