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justice of the peace

noun phrase

Definition of justice of the peace

: a local magistrate empowered chiefly to administer summary justice in minor cases, to commit for trial, and to administer oaths and perform marriages

First Known Use of justice of the peace

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for justice of the peace

justice of the peace

noun

English Language Learners Definition of justice of the peace

: a local official who has the power to decide minor legal cases and in the U.S. to perform marriages

justice of the peace

Legal Definition of justice of the peace

: a local judicial official who is empowered chiefly to administer oaths, perform marriage ceremonies, certify documents, and in some states may have additional judicial powers (as to issue summonses)

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