VOTE411 Voter Guide

Justices of the Peace are elected by the voters in their respective counties for six year terms and are non-partisan. Justice Courts have jurisdiction over traffic tickets, fish and game tickets, landlord tenant cases, small claims cases, and, in some counties, have criminal jurisdiction for misdemeanor crimes. Justice Courts were established in Oregon when Oregon was a territory, with the first Justice of the Peace chosen in 1847. When Oregon became a state in 1859, Justice Courts continued in every county. In the second half of the twentieth century, Justice Courts declined, but the Circuit Courts were not able to handle the volume of cases as quickly as Justice Courts. Now, the number of Justice Courts are growing, as counties are realizing that Justice Courts are able to serve the needs of citizens for speedy and responsible justice and adjudication of disputes. Justice Courts are an integral part of county government. Justice Courts in Oregon serve twenty one Oregon counties with 32 Justices of the Peace in 41 courts.Qualifications: Candidate must be US Citizen, a registered voter, a resident of the precinct or of an adjoining precinct in the same county and age 18 or older. If not a member of the state bar, candidate must take 30 hours of continuing education every two calendar years.In event of Vacancy: Governor appoints qualified person to serve until successor is elected at next regular election.Term: 6 yearsSalary: Varies by CountySource: Oregon Secretary of State and the Oregon Justice of the Peace Association (ojpa.org) http://www.oregonlaws.org/ors/204.016 Riv.