What is an honorary justice?
Bail justices and justices of the peace (collectively known as ‘honorary justices’), are volunteers who perform a range of specialised services that are critical to the functioning of Victoria’s justice system.
Justices of the peace provide document witnessing and certification services to the community both during and outside business hours.
Bail justices primarily work outside business hours and on weekends to conduct hearings in relation to applications for bail or remand. These hearings are conducted in person and virtually.
Honorary justices are appointed by the Governor in Council on the recommendation of the Attorney-General under relevant sections in the Honorary Justices Act 2014.
The Honorary Justice Services Support (HJSS) area is responsible for appointing and managing honorary justice volunteers.
Legislation for honorary justices (both bail justices and justices of the peace)
Honorary Justices Regulations 2024
Freedom of Information Act 1982
Honorary Justices Code of Conduct
Guideline on the handling of complaints against honorary justices (pursuant to section 48(1) of the Honorary Justices Act 2014)
Bail justices
Children Youth and Families Act 2005
The Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities Act 2006
Justices of the peace
Oaths and Affirmations Act 2018
History of honorary justices
Download this 46 page PDF booklet, a journey through the history of Honorary Justices in Victoria, by Belinda Robson.
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