Presiding Justice of the Peace recruitment

Government is seeking to appoint Presiding Justices of the Peace. Presiding Justices of the Peace may, subject to the Justice of the Peace Act and Regulations, deal with all matters prescribed to a Presiding Justice of the Peace in the Criminal Code and the Summary Proceedings Act.

For example, Presiding Justices of the Peace preside over trials relating to summary offences including under the Motor Vehicle Act, summary offence ticket matters, and peace bond applications and hearings. At the Justice of the Peace Centre, Presiding Justices of the Peace hear emergency protection order applications under the Domestic Violence Intervention Act; grant Warrants; and address release of persons in custody.

Shift Details

• Justice of the Peace (JP) Centre (277 Pleasant Street) – A rotation of the following shifts: in person 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; in person 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; on call 9:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m. to deal with emergency matters; and in person 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
• JP Centre Backup Shift – This is a weekly rotation to provide assistance should there be a backlog of work at the JP Centre.
• Motor Vehicle Act and Peace Bond Matters in Halifax/Dartmouth – This is a rotation for the following matters:
• in-person MVA matters (5250 Spring Garden Road, Halifax) – Monday to Thursday evenings, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• telephone peace bond applications (277 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth) – every second Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• In-person peace bonds (5250 Spring Garden Road, Halifax) – every second Tuesday and every second alternate Wednesday, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Summary Offence Tickets and Peace Bond Hearings in the Regions – This is a rotation of SOT and peace bond hearings at the following Court locations: Amherst, Annapolis Royal, Antigonish, Bridgewater, Digby, Kentville, Pictou, Shubenacadie, Truro, and Windsor.
• Halifax/Dartmouth Daytime Summary Offence Tickets (277 Pleasant Street, Dartmouth) – This weekly rotation (Thursdays) is for in person arraignments, remission of penalty, and defaults in the morning and applications to set aside automatic convictions and withdrawals in the afternoon.

Minimum Requirements

To apply to be a Presiding Justice of the Peace, you must:

• be a lawyer with no less than 5 years standing with the Nova Scotia Barristers Society.
• not currently practice criminal or family law, or be willing to give up the practice.

Selection Criteria

The selection committee will review applications for the following criteria and be shortlisted. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed:

• Characteristics, including respect for the essential dignity of all persons regardless of their circumstances and a reputation for integrity and fairness.
• Candidates must be in good standing with the Nova Scotia Barristers’ Society and consent to have the Barristers’ Society release information about their status, discipline record and any outstanding complaints, and agree to submit to a criminal record check.
• Intellectual and judgment ability, including the ability to be fair and open-minded, patient, and able to make decisions promptly.
• Professional excellence, including a high level of professional achievement in area(s) of legal work in which the candidate has been engaged and good writing and communication skills.
• Community awareness and understanding, including a commitment to public service (volunteer record), awareness of the interest in knowing more about the social problems which give rise to cases coming before the courts and sensitivity to changes in social values relating to criminal and family matters.

Diversity

We encourage applications from Indigenous people, African Nova Scotians, other racially visible people, persons with disabilities, women and other employment equity groups. Candidates are encouraged to self-identify as bilingual.

How to Apply

To apply to be considered for appointment as a Presiding Justice of the Peace, please send one copy of each of the following: your resume, a covering letter stating why you are interested, your credentials and certifications, and 2 reference letters (including at least 1 professional reference) to the attention of Tanya Pellow at the address or email below. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview. The application deadline is December 6, 2024.