Justice of the Peace

The office of Justice of the Peace originated in England and was brought to this country by the early colonists. The office existed in Connecticut in some form from the beginning of the colony.
At one time when this State had a multi-tiered Court system with substantial judicial business being conducted by municipal and city Court judges, the elected Justice of the Peace had substantial authority with respect to the administration of minor Courts in this State. Over the years the scope of authority of this official has been narrowed so that in 1988 the role of the Justice of the Peace was limited to certain grants of authority enumerated by statute. Justices of the Peace have general oath giving powers (Conn. Gen. Stat.§1-24), may take acknowledgments (Conn. Gen. Stat.§1-29), may join persons in marriage (Conn. Gen. Stat.§46b-22), and may take depositions (Conn. Gen. Stat.§52-148c). There are also many statutory grants of power regarding specific documents. This pamphlet will discuss each of these areas as well as outlining how a person becomes a Justice of the Peace.

2021-2025 List of Justices of the Peace