Justices of the Peace of Belize

PUBLIC NOTICE

APPLICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS JUSTICE OF THE PEACE

The Attorney General’s Ministry advises the public that it is presently conducting the necessary review and vetting of applications for appointment as Justice of the Peace that have already been received.

In view of this ongoing process, the Ministry will not be receiving new applications for appointment as Justice of the Peace at this time.

The next intake of applications is anticipated to open in April 2027. Persons interested in being considered for appointment are invited to submit their applications when the application process reopens. Further notice will be issued by the Attorney General’s Ministry regarding the reopening of applications.

All Justices of the Peace of Belize are appointed by the Attorney General of Belize and have all such powers, privileges, rights and jurisdiction to act throughout Belize as empowered on them by the Justice of the Peace Act Chapter 119:01 of the Substantive Laws of Belize, Revised Edition 2020.

Justices of the Peace serve the public voluntarily, without fear or favour, affection or ill-will and are not allowed to solicit remuneration for any of the services they provide unless allowed under the laws of Belize.

All Justices of the Peace of Belize are expected to exemplify high standards of integrity and honesty at all times while performing the duties of a Justice of the Peace. A Justice of the Peace who does not comply with the ethics set out in the Justice of the Peace Act can have his appointment revoked.

Every Justice of the Peace and Senior Justice of the Peace shall have concurrent jurisdiction with Magistrates with respect to the following core functions and duties

• Issuance of summons and warrants of arrest and other process of the Court
• The granting of bail
• The taking of recognizances
• Remanding of defendants in custody and those charged with offences
• The Binding over of parties and witnesses
• Witnessing the execution of deeds and other documents
• Administering oaths and affirmations in cases allowed by law
• Issuing of warrants of apprehension and commitment for safe custody of persons charged with an offence
• Preservation of the peace, and dispersion of all disorderly, unlawful, riotous or tumultuous assemblages