Justices of the Peace are those persons appointed at the local levels as lay persons who are charged with the responsibility of keeping the peace.  They, therefore, have the same powers as Magistrates to sign warrants to assist the police with search, seizure, and arrest warrants.  Additionally, in the event of a Magistrate being too ill to perform his/her duties, the Chief Magistrate may appoint any two (2) Justices of the Peace to act as a replacement.  Before anyone can operate as a Justice of the Peace he/she must first be licensed to do so.  These licences are granted by the Office of the Attorney-General. 

Functions of Justices of the Peace

Sections 5 – 12 of the Magistrates Act, Ch. 54, provide for the appointment of Justices of the Peace.  Providing persons with the responsibilities of a Justice of the Peace within the Family Islands alleviates the burden on the judicial system in that travel to New Providence for certain legal services is not necessary.  He/she is appointed to have the same powers as a Magistrate to sign warrants for the apprehension and commitment for safe custody of persons charged with offences and to issue search warrants.

Additionally, as a Justice of the Peace, power is provided by Section 8 of the Act, to preserve the peace, to suppress riots and affrays, and to disperse all disorderly and tumultuous assemblies, and for any of these purposes to call in the assistance of the police and Her Majesty’s liege subjects who shall be bound to obey all such lawful commands.

Further, by Section 9 of the Act, whenever any Magistrate is unable from sickness, absence or any other cause, to be present in court, any two (2) Justices of the Peace may, on the request in writing of such Magistrate, sit in court in his/her place and shall while so sitting, have all the powers and jurisdiction exercisable by him/her.  In this regard, the Chief Magistrate may, at any time, whenever he/she shall deem it expedient, authorize any Justice of the Peace so to act and assist in the place of a Magistrate and he/she shall be entitled to the same immunities and protection to which a Magistrate is entitled.

Additionally, such persons are empowered to take affidavits and administer oaths.

Whilst these are typically Ministers of religion, retired senior public servants and community leaders, persons need only to be respected and upstanding citizens to be appointed for this post by Cabinet.

1. Complete application form;
2. Attach supporting documents;
3. Submit to the Justice of the Peace Section at the Attorney-General’s Office (by mail or in person);
4. Applications are submitted to the Cabinet of The Bahamas for its consideration.

Application for Justice of the Peace form, available at the Office of the Attorney-General and online (download here).

• Copy of the first four (4) pages of your passport;
• Police certificate of good character (issued no longer than (six (6) months prior to application).

There are no fees associated with this service.

The Office of the Attorney-General and Ministry of Legal Affairs
P.O. Box N-3007
Justice of the Peace Section
Paul L. Adderley Building
John F. Kennedy Drive
Nassau, New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel.:  (242) 502-0400; 322-1141
Fax:  (242) 356-4179

Opening hours:  9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday, except on public holidays