How To Become A Justice Of The Peace MA

By Jessica Brown


This is ideally an officer that takes the role of performing marriages, signing affidavits and hearing oaths that are made. Hence, the main role of this officer is to oversee marriages. All legal marriages are thus conducted by this government official. These professionals are usually elected in most states. In Massachusetts, this official is appointed or nominated by the governor. Hence, if you aspire to become a JP, it is wise to know the requirements of your state. Below are the steps that you can follow if you would like to become a Justice of The Peace MA officer.

The first thing that you should understand is that these professionals are commissioned to office by the current governing body. Therefore, the governor of the state can elect these officials. The main roles of these government officials usually vary from state to state. For example, there are states that lack provisions for these officials. Hence, their roles are divided among the other government officials.

To be a JP, it is not a requirement that you have a degree. If you do not have a degree, you must have law-related training. In case you have a degree in criminal justice, legal studies, American history or political science, you will be better placed for the job. For people without degrees, having law-related training is mandatory if they want to become JPs. Once the JP has been successfully appointed, the official is licensed or commissioned by the appropriate authority.

Therefore, unlike most local and statutory judges, JPs do not need to be degree holders in law. This training can however be beneficial and is mandatory in most states. There are thus no formal education requirements for people who want to become JPs. Nevertheless, those with formal education find an easy time looking for jobs.

If you have a degree in the critical fields, or you have completed the recommended training, you can now seek for appointment. Some states usually allocate these professionals depending on the total political party numbers or members holding the offices of the state. In these states, the applicants must be elected by the major political body. These are the main regulations that these states have.

Other states such as Massachusetts, the JP is normally elected by the governor. Hence, the applicant has to follow the required steps for him/her to be elected. The aspirant should thus obtain an application form from the governors or state secretary office. This application form is mandatory to all the applicants that are interested in the JP position.

The main things that the form needs are the general information about the applicant like gender, age, residence, etc. Also, the applicant should fill their criminal record. There are states that require prominent people in the community to sign and recommend the applicant while other states do not have this requirement.

Once the aspirant has been elected to office, there is another final step that he/she has to complete. This is filing for the oath to assume office. In some states, the JP elect can take the oath at a specific time in the designated office while some states require a formal filing within a few days.




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