Justice of the peace

30942QLD Course in Community Justice Services (Justice of the Peace [Qualified])

This course is designed to provide participants with knowledge, skills and generic and specific competencies to aid in the voluntary provision of witnessing document completion and minor judicial duties within the community.

The Justices of the Peace and Commissioner for Declarations Act 1991 governs the categories of appointments with different levels of responsibilities and duties, namely:

Commissioner for Declarations
Justice of the Peace (Qualified)
Justice of the Peace (Magistrates Court)

Justices of the Peace are responsible for carrying out a range of judicial and administrative duties and act as ‘gate keepers’ of the Queensland legal system. The Role of a JP (Qual) is voluntary, with their services in constant demand across the state.

Justices of the Peace require a complete current understanding of the powers and duties associated with the role and what is required when it comes to serving the community.

This course offers applicants wishing to become a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) the opportunity to obtain the relevant knowledge and skills based upon the Handbooks for this particular position.

This is vital in ensuring that newly appointed JP’s (Qual) are fully competent in undertaking the role, reducing the risk of litigation against the state and the individual.

Course Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, the participant will be competent to perform the duties of a Justice of the Peace (Qualified), which would include witnessing signatures on a range of documents, certifying copies of documents, assisting people with disabilities and culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, issuing summonses, warrants and justice examination orders, and executing minor bench duties.

The outcome of this course is to provide participants with a range of knowledge and skills required to:

Access and interpret information contained in their respective handbooks
Identify and follow correct procedures
Provide appropriate information and assistance
Maintain a records register documenting services provided
Prepare to carry out non-judicial bench duties
Prepare to carry out minor judicial bench duties
Prepare to attend a police record of interview
Identify procedures and comply with legislative requirements
Evaluate the capacity of the deponent to sign relevant documents
Prepare to provide evidence as a witness during court proceedings

On successful completion of this course, the participant will receive a Statement of Attainment for:

QLD200JPQ01A Perform the duties of a Justice of the Peace (Qualified)

Entry Requirements

All personnel working or aspiring to work as a Justice of the Peace (Qualified) must hold the minimum of a Year 10 standard of education or equivalent to enable them to enter this course.

Applicants must:

Hold Australian Citizenship (by birth, descent or grant)
Be on the Queensland electoral roll
Be 18 years of age

Furthermore, the following provisions will prevent an individual from holding office of a Justice of the Peace (Qualified):

a person who has been convicted of a serious offence at any time
a person who has been convicted of any offence in the last five years, or has been convicted of more than two offences at any time (does not include Traffic Act offences)
a person who has been convicted of more than two Traffic Act offences in the last four years
a person who is an undischarged bankrupt (undischarged – not yet free from bankruptcy)

Delivery Methods

OPTION 1 - Study Online

Study where and when it suits you by using our interactive elearning platform.

You will have 12 months to complete this course at your own pace.