LETTER: Where's the justice for JPs?

21st January 2010

This is a real kick in the teeth for JPs.

Judicial JPs have to sit a 12-month, 10-assignment, NZQA-approved course at the Open Polytech of NZ.

JPs have to meet the cost of the course but, if they pass, they may be selected and may be reimbursed the cost of the course.

If they are selected, they get no payment other than mileage costs and possibly lunch money.

Now unqualified people will become Community Magistrates and be paid the equivalent of $100,000 p.a.

Is this an indication that the Minister of Justice believes JPs are an institution that are past it (like Chief District Court Judge Young)?

I recommend that JPs stop doing court work, stop signing warrants and stop signing papers at odd hours and see how the system works without them.

Graeme