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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
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
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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 5 Nov. 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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