Page 11 - Keeping the Peace

Consolidation: 1887 to 1927 men of independent position, above fear or favour
“The cooperation of laymen in the administration of justice is a constant reminder to judges and other members of the
legal profession that the law is made not for lawyers but for the regulation of the business and social relations of all members of the community.”6
With the passing of the Justice of the Peace Act 1887 (Vic), the JP role was formally articulated.
By 1901, there were 3,700 JPs in Victoria, with their appointments approved by the Crown Law Department after being recommended by local councils, following a petition from local residents that there was a need.7 In recognition of their identity as men of importance, in 1901 a proposal was made to the Solicitor-General that each JP receive a gold badge for attachment to their watches. A design of an ornamental character bearing the letters JP was submitted. There was pride and a sense of strong collegiality that together they would be a valued group that bridged government, the legal establishment and local communities.
One of their challenges was to differentiate themselves from the legal fraternity and to define their value to the community. They did this through a number of organisations, including establishing the HJs Association.
Mr W H Irvine, in his forward on the authority and functions of out of sessions hearings in the Courts of Petty Sessions, described the ideal JP as men of independent means:
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“No property qualification is here necessary, but as a matter of fact, only men of independent position, who are assumed to have sufficient means to enable them to devote the requisite time and industry to the performance of their important duties, and to rise above the influences of fear and favour, are usually made JPs.”
‘The Justices of the Peace’. 8 December 1913, p. 159. Mildura Cultivator, 7 December 1901.
Keeping the Peace – A History of Honorary Justices in Victoria 5