Justice of the Peace
A Justice of the Peace is an official of integrity who is empowered to perform limited acts as described in R.I. Gen. Laws Chapter 42-30. Justices of the Peace cannot perform most notarial acts and are not permitted to perform marriage ceremonies in Rhode Island. For more information about marriage requirements in RI, click here.
Requirements:
- Be at least eighteen (18) years of age;
- Speak, read and write the English language;
- Be a RI resident; and
- Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of the powers and duties of a Justice of the Peace.
Attorney & Accountant applicants:
Attorneys in good standing with the RI Bar Association or Certified Public Accountants in good standing with the RI Board of Accountancy are exempt from the residency requirement.
Powers and Duties
Justices of the Peace are commissioned to four-year terms and are authorized to:
- Perform acknowledgements;
- Administer oaths and affirmations;
- Issue subpoenas; and
- Depose witnesses.
The primary use of a Justice of the Peace commission is to obtain appointment as a Bail Commissioner. Justices of the Peace may be appointed as Bail Commissioners by the chief judge of the district court per R.I. Gen. Laws § 12-10-2.
Apply for or Update a Commission
Begin, update, or end a Justice of the Peace commission.
Verify a Justice of the Peace Commission
Use this tool to confirm that a Justice of the Peace’s commission is active.