Justices of peace are selected people who play an important part in the legal system
The public have certain levels of expectation from the JPs over their services.
A Justice of Peace is expected to be a person who is modest and helpful to all and sundry who seek his or her services.
The Chief Justice Anthony Gates has rightly said during one of the swearing in ceremonies for newly-appointed JPs in 2015 that they needed to keep reputation for being selfless, accommodating, ready to help, obliging and willing to assist.
A justice of peace must not benefit in cash or kind from any person for his or her service.
Reading through the dailies, it is disappointing to know that people from the Northern Division are still alleging and making complaints on JPs that some of them are selfish, are not willing to accommodate, and are benefiting either in cash or kind.
Complaints against commissioner of oaths and justices of peace topped the Consumer Council of Fiji’s North regional list this year.
During some previous years, after receiving complaints, the Consumer Council of Fiji investigated and wrote letters to a number of JPs regarding their unethical behaviour and asking for cash and kind from people. The council also warned them to stop such behaviour.
I believe, if any justice of peace who shows no reputation, does not accommodate people, is not ready to help, obliging to assist and asking for cash or kind, that JP’s service should be immediately terminated.
In our beloved Fiji, we do have many suitable and qualified people who can be selected and appointed as a justice of peace.
