Becoming a Justice of the Peace

The Justice of the Peace Program is looking for individuals to serve as part-time Justices of the Peace (JPs) in the Northwest Territories. Applications will be received by the Judicial Appointments Advisory Committee until October 30, 2026.

Justices of the Peace play an important role in the justice system. They are independent decision-makers who help ensure the law is applied fairly and impartially. While having a law degree would be considered an asset, you do not need to be a lawyer or have legal training to apply.

If you are interested in serving your community and contributing to the administration of justice in the Northwest Territories, we encourage you to apply.

Who Can Apply?

To be eligible, you must:

• Be between 19 and 75 years old
• Have lived in the Northwest Territories for at least six months
• Be available to work part-time when needed, including on-call shifts
• Be willing to travel to other NWT communities
• Provide a Criminal Record Check

Please note that after appointment, Justices of the Peace cannot work in positions that could create a conflict of interest, including being a GNWT employee, a peace officer, or practicing law in the NWT.

What Are We Looking For?

Strong candidates will have:

• A good reputation in their community
• At least 10 years of work and/or volunteer experience
• A commitment to public service
• An understanding of social issues affecting people who come before the courts
• A record of fairness, integrity, and professionalism

A law degree is considered an asset, but it is not required.

Training and Compensation

Successful applicants will receive training after appointment. Justices of the Peace are paid for the work they perform according to the Justice of the Peace Remuneration and Allowances Regulations.

What Do Justices of the Peace Do?

Depending on their training and assigned responsibilities, Justices of the Peace may:

• Receive and swear information related to charges brought by police or members of the public.
• Review and confirm, change, or cancel release documents issued by police after an arrest.
• Review and sign court documents, including summonses and arrest warrants.
• Review and issue subpoenas requiring witnesses to attend court.
• Witness and administer oaths, affirmations, affidavits, and statutory declarations.
• Consider applications for search warrants and production orders.
• Conduct bail hearings to decide whether a person who has been arrested should remain in custody or be released.
• Grant adjournments, which postpone a court matter to a later date.
• Hear applications for Emergency Protection Orders and Peace Bonds.
• Conduct trials for certain territorial offences, including traffic, liquor, and wildlife offences.
• Conduct trials for offences under municipal bylaws, such as parking, noise, and animal control violations.
• Perform civil marriage ceremonies.

How to Apply

Please submit the following:

1. Completed and signed Justice of the Peace Candidate Information Form
2. Criminal Record Check, or proof that you have applied for one
3. Résumé (maximum 3 pages)
4. One letter of support from a community member describing your community involvement and suitability for the role (maximum 1 page)

Please ensure you provide a valid email address, as all application updates and communications will be sent by email.

Submit the above documents to JAAC.Applications@ntcourts.ca by October 30, 2026. Applications received after this date may not be considered.

Learn More About the Role

A strong understanding of the Justice of the Peace role is an important part of the selection process. If you're considering applying, we encourage you to learn more about the position before submitting your application.

There are several ways to build your understanding of the role:

• Attend an information session
• Observe court proceedings presided over by a Justice of the Peace
• Review the Criteria for Evaluating Candidates
• Review the Categories of Justices of the Peace and Educational Training
• Review the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Information Session

Interested applicants are encouraged to attend an information session to learn more about the work of Justices of the Peace in the Northwest Territories and the appointment process.

Individuals who live outside Yellowknife can attend virtually. To request information about joining by video, please contact the Court Registry at territorialcourt@gov.nt.ca.

Attending the information session is a great opportunity to ask questions, learn about the responsibilities of the role, and determine whether becoming a Justice of the Peace is right for you.

2. Observe Court Proceedings

One of the best ways to learn about the role of a Justice of the Peace is to see it in action. Prospective applicants are encouraged to observe court proceedings before applying.

Many court sittings presided over by Justices of the Peace are open to the public and can be attended in person. If you are unable to attend in person, you may be able to observe by telephone or video. To request virtual access, please contact the Court Registry at territorialcourt@gov.nt.ca.

The following are some specific opportunities to observe Justices of the Peace presiding in court:

Bail court

Justices of the Peace regularly preside over bail court in Courtroom 102 at the Yellowknife Courthouse:

• Monday to Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• Saturdays and statutory holidays at 1:30 p.m.

Municipal and Territorial offences court

Justices of the Peace also preside over municipal and territorial offences court during select sittings. Current court schedules are available on the Courts of the Northwest Territories website.

Upcoming sittings of municipal and territorial offences court include:

Observing court can help you better understand the responsibilities of a Justice of the Peace, the types of matters they hear, and the important role they play in serving communities across the Northwest Territories.

Program Documents

• Justice of the Peace Candidate Information Form
• Criteria for Evaluating Candidates
• Categories of Justices of the Peace and Educational Training
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Questions?