Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Oaths

• Download the new Justice of the Peace Handbook
• Finding a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths
• Who are Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Oaths?
• What are their responsibilities?
• What is the difference between a Justice of the Peace and a Commissioner for Oaths?
• Are they paid positions?
• Who can become a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths?
• How can a person apply to be a Justice of the Peace or a Commissioner for Oaths?
• How can I change my details on the Justice of the Peace and Commissioner for Oaths Database?
• Where do I find a Statutory Declaration?
• Who can witness a Statutory Declaration?

Finding a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths.

Click here to view the database listing Justices of the Peace or Commissioners for Oaths by surname or region. Individuals can also be searched.

Who are Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Oaths?

Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Oaths are respected citizens who are entrusted by the community to take on special responsibilities.

What are their responsibilities?

Justices of the Peace and Commissioners for Oaths perform a wide range of services including:

• administering an oath;
• taking an affidavit; or
• attesting the execution of a document.

In addition to the above responsibilities, Justices of the Peace can sign warrants and summonses, and some hear certain matters in court.

What is the difference between a Commissioner for Oaths and a Justice of the Peace?

Both Commissioners for Oaths and Justices of the Peace can administer an oath or affirmation, take an affidavit and attest to the execution of a document.

In addition to the above, Justices of the Peace may also issue documents for the Police such as a summons or warrant, and sit on the bench in the Court of Summary Jurisdiction.

The criteria for appointment as a Justice of the Peace are more stringent than for a Commissioner for Oaths. While both positions require persons of a good character, a criminal history check is mandatory for a Justice of the Peace applicant.

There must also be a community need for a Justice of the Peace and evidence of commitment to the Territory.

Are they paid positions?

Both positions are honorary ones and they cannot accept payment for their services.

Who can become a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths?

An applicant needs to be:

• an Australian citizen by birth, descent or grant;
• at least 18 years of age;
• of good character; and
• registered on the electoral role.

How can a person apply to be a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner for Oaths?

Contact the Statutory Appointments Officer by telephone: (08) 8999 1809

or

Write to:

Clerk of the Peace
Northern Territory Department of Justice
GPO Box 1722
Darwin NT 0801

How can I change my details on the Justice of the Peace and Commissioner for Oaths Database?

To ensure this Justice of the Peace and Commissioner for Oaths Database is accurate, complete and up to date, all appointment holders are asked to advise of any changes of name and contact details to the Statutory Appointments Officer.

The Statutory Appointments Officer can be contacted by Telephone: (08) 8999 1809, Fax:(08) 8999 1888 or E-mail: statutoryappointmentsoffice@nt.gov.au.

Changes can also be made online using the database, Click here to view the database.

Where do I find a Statutory Declaration?

Statutory Declaration forms are available below in PDF and Word format.

• Statutory Declarion form (PDF)
• Statutory Declaration form (Word)

Who can witness a Statutory Declaration?

A Statutory Declaration may be made (signed) before any person who has attained the age of 18 years (section 23C(1)(b) Oaths Act).

It should be noted that a person who wilfully makes a false statement in a Statutory Declaration is liable to a penalty of $2,000 or imprisonment for 12 months, or both (section 23F Oaths Act).