Justice of the Peace.
Part of the British judicial system. Appointed by the crown to dispence justice.
Today they are used in commonwealth countries for things too trivial for judges.
To be a justice of the peace you have to be an outstanding citizen with no criminal
record, not even a parking ticket.
In the past they were a key part of administering the kingdom. As england had an
impoverished state it did not hire a civil service like the absolute monarchies,
so they relied on a system of patronage. The JP’s job in this time was far reaching.
On top of dispensing justice, they administered taxes, handled disputes, and inforced poor laws, amongst other
duties.