DPP Reminds JPs That Charging for Services is Illegal

Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Claudette Thompson, has called on Justices of the Peace (JPs) who continue to charge for their services to desist, as this is against the law.

She reminded them that the role of JP is voluntary civic duty designed to serve the community without compensation, and they are required to uphold good morals and serve with clean hands.

“The reality is that there are still members among you who have brought the office into disrepute by adopting practices that sit squarely outside of guidelines, and they cannot be ignored. Running amok is the practice of charging the public for services. There are reports of JPs having gone as far as mounting price lists in conspicuous areas of their offices to dispel any confusion as to the cost attached to their services,” Ms. Thompson said.

“The Office of the Justice of the Peace is not an office of emolument, and the duty to carry out the functions of the office, free of charge, has been deemed by law to be a requirement of the office. The role of the Justice of the Peace is a voluntary one. The practice of charging for services should not and must not be allowed to continue,” she said.

The DPP was delivering the keynote address at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs and the Justice Training Institute’s Graduation Ceremony for the 2025/26 class, held at the Summit in New Kingston on Thursday (March 26).

Ms. Thompson reminded the 54 graduates from the parishes of Kingston, St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Clarendon, Manchester, Trelawny and Hanover, who will serve in the Lay Magistrates’ Court, that they are pillars of the justice system, the success of which hinges upon the respect of those it serves.

“You must, therefore, serve with clean hands,” she stated.

The DDP further urged the JPs to not be betrayed by personal feelings in the execution of their duties.

“The mind of man is subject to the fragilities of human nature to be persuaded in many ways by friendship, personal interests and cultural expectations,” she pointed out.

“However, in the way that Proverbs 6:21 commands you to bind upon your heart, and to tie around your necks, the commands and teachings of both your mother and your father, in like fashion, I implore you, in carrying out the duties in your office, to be perpetually guided by the Justice of the Peace Act, which states that you are to act professionally, fairly, diligently and expeditiously and to remain unbiased in the exercise of the functions of the justice,” she said.

Ms. Thompson commended the JPs for their continued dedication and commitment.