Justice of the peace Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a local magistrate with limited powers

WordNet


Definitions
  1. (Law), a judicial officer or subordinate magistrate appointed for the conservation of the peace in a specified district, with other incidental powers specified in his commission. In the United States a justice of the peace has jurisdiction to adjudicate certain minor cases, commit offenders, etc.
Definitions
  1. . See under Justice.

Webster 1913