The role of JPs

What is the role of a JP?

Justices of the Peace (JPs) are volunteers appointed by the Governor of New South Wales. The primary roles of a JP are to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit, and to certify copies of original documents. JPs come from all sections of the community and are available across NSW. 

A statutory declaration is a written statement which a person declares to be true in the presence of an authorised witness.  Various organisations such as banks, insurance companies and superannuation providers often require information provided to them via a statutory declaration.

An affidavit is a written statement for use as evidence in court proceedings. A person making an affidavit must promise he or she is telling the truth in the presence of an authorised witness.

A certified copy of an original document may be required by various organisations. This avoids the need of a person to submit original documentation such as a birth certificate or academic qualifications.

A JP is trusted to be honest and impartial when performing their functions. They cannot:

• unreasonably refuse to provide JP services
• charge you a fee or accept a gift for providing JP services
• assist or write in a statutory declaration or affidavit
• provide you with legal advice.