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 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 Arizona's voters will help elect a president and elect a new U.S. senator, members of Congress, a new state Legislature, state utility and water regulators, county executives and supervisors, mayors, council members, school board members and justices of the peace. Sasha Hupka, The Arizona Republic, 6 Oct. 2024 On March 15, 2024, the Johnson County Election Commission certified Jeremy Hatchet was the Republican nominee at the primary election for justice of the peace in District 5. Nwa Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 15 Aug. 2024 Washington County justice of the peace contests District 1 — Republican Bradley Bruns vs. Democrat Sarah Hampton District 2 — Republican incumbent David Wilson vs. Democrat Nestor Briceno District 4 — Democrat Vladimir Lopez vs. Republican Bill Ussery. Alex Golden, Axios, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for justice of the peace 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'justice of the peace.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 31 Oct. 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

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