Promoting access to Justice of the Peace services in communities
Councils are the most popular places for citizens to access free services of JPs through Civic Centres, libraries and other community facilities.
However, many South Australians don’t realise these services can be accessed for free, what they offer, where to find them, or how to book an appointment.
Action for councils to raise awareness
Having clear information on your council website helps people in your community access Justice of the Peace services.
Councils are encouraged to consider promoting these services through:
- your council website
- social media channels
- community newsletters
- customer service teams and libraries.
Below are downloadable templates councils can consider using to promote JP services:
If your council does not offer a JP service, you can still publish information linking residents to the Find a JP directory.
The role of JPs
A Justice of the Peace acts as an independent and objective witness to documents people use for official or legal purposes.
Every year, they witness more than 800,000 documents across the state, helping people complete everything from Statutory Declarations to certified copies of important documents.
Their role helps protect against identity fraud, verify identities and ensure important paperwork has been completed correctly.
JPs commonly assist with:
- Statutory Declarations
- Affidavits
- certified copies of original documents
- identity verification
- Powers of Attorney
- Advance Care Directives
- other documents requiring an authorised witness.
JPs in South Australia can witness the following documents remotely online in real-time via Remote Witnessing | Royal Association of Justices of South Australia | RAJSA:
- SA Affidavits
- Statutory Declarations (including Commonwealth Statutory Declarations).
More information about the services JPs provide is available on the State Government website.
Apply to become a JP
To become a Justice of the Peace, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.
These requirements, and details about how to apply, are available on the State Government website.
Find out more
To learn more, contact Justice of the Peace Services by emailing jpservices@sa.gov.au or calling 131 882.