Do you use a JP?

[Ms L James]

Good afternoon all,

I was recently speaking to a JP in my area when the conversation turned to the variety of people that she works with in her duties.
It was mentioned that she witnesses a large amount of statements and on occasions has offered her services to private investigators.

My question is how many investigators utilise the services of a JP and is it in common situations?

Kindly,
Leah

[Homer]

Hi. Sounds unusual. Might be a Qld thing. Never heard of it in 13 years I have been doing factuals. Wonder who pays her bill ?  I don't get statements witnessed anyway.

[Ms L James]

Hi Homer,

I hadn't heard much of it from a few investigators that I have spoken to either.
I was wondering if maybe it was something I may need to look into.

Thank you,
Leah

[Agent Shadow]

As I understand JP's are state based so you will need to refer to your states legislation concerning JP's.

In the NT for example a statutory declaration of statement can be witnessed by anyone over the age of eighteen where as affidavits cannot and can be done by JP's.

I also note in family court matters declaration of services can be completed by a JP or Commissioner of Oaths (along with police, doctors etc).

So, I would say it would depend on what you require to be witnessed.

[Ms L James]

Agent Shadow,

Thank you for your reply to my question.
I understand the aspect of legislation changing between states and I ended up purchasing a copy of The Duties of Justices of the Peace(Qualified), from QLD government, which has explained a few of my questions.

My initial concerns regarded the possibility that statements I compile may end up in court proceedings. Furthermore if this happens is there a requirement for these to be witnessed by a JP in order to carry more weight?
It is yet another question that has come up over the past weeks of having my licence

-Leah

[Homer]

Hi Leah. the signature of JP does not add any weight to statements. As long as the person making statement signs off on it, that is all that matters. You can witness statements. Anyone over 18 can. As Agent Shadow says, there would be circs where a JP autograph is required, but for the run of the mill personal injury cases, in Qld, I doubt that would be necessary. I have never had a query over signed statements in about 2200 cases out of 2200.

[Ms L James]

.Hi everyone,

I have just been reviewing some older posts and have come across this one.

I thought it odd when I started out in the industry however since this initial post I have needed to use a JP on a dozen or so investigations.

Unusual as it seems they have mostly been personal injury investigations.

Anyway just thought I would put it out there again.

Kindly,
Leah.

P.s to all of those who are studying ...keep it up! The experiencing you will gain after entering the industry will be a welcomed reward.

[Cabal]

The only times I've needed to use a JP is when the Affidavits are for Australian Courts.

Here in NZ it is standard practice to swear/affirm Affidavits before a solicitor or court registrar and not a JP.

[dallas]

Hi PeeEye,
I have been a JP since 1982 in NSW and we do not charge for witnessing any documentation as a JP, this is a service to the community