Ask 100 random voters in El Paso what a Justice of the Peace is, and you’ll get one overwhelming answer: “I don’t know.” But for those in the know, there’s one detail that always gets people talking. A Justice of the Peace doesn’t have to be a lawyer. And once someone learns that, it quickly becomes one of their favorite facts to bring up in political circles.
JP courts are often called the “people’s court.” They handle the everyday stuff — evictions, truancy cases, debt collections, small claims. They’re meant to be accessible, the entry point to the justice system where regular people can walk in, represent themselves, and get a ruling.
Here’s the kicker: it’s not just a modest neighborhood gig. JPs make a six-figure salary with benefits, and many make extra money performing weddings on the side. That mix — high stakes in people’s lives, real money on the line, and no law degree required — is why the office sparks so much debate.
The Case for Non-Lawyer JPs
Supporters say this is exactly what makes JP courts valuable. They argue that requiring a law degree would change the whole nature of the office, turning it into just another intimidating courtroom. The JP is supposed to be approachable — someone from the community who understands people’s struggles and can apply common sense. You don’t need a law degree to know fairness, to listen, or to make a decision that both sides can understand. In fact, many believe non-lawyer JPs are less likely to hide behind technicalities and more likely to focus on real-life outcomes.
The Case Against Non-Lawyer JPs
Critics see it differently. They point out that even “small” cases can carry heavy consequences. An eviction can put a family on the street. A debt ruling can wreck a person’s finances. Without legal training, critics argue, there’s a risk of rulings that are inconsistent, unfair, or flat-out wrong. And when that happens, people pay the price. Some also worry that non-lawyer JPs may treat the position too casually, giving more attention to weddings and side income than to the courtroom. For those critics, if you’re going to wear the robe, you should know the law.
Where I Land
At the end of the day, JP courts are elected offices. Voters get to decide who belongs there. If a lawyer runs against a non-lawyer and loses, maybe voters valued other credentials more than a law degree. Or maybe the lawyer just ran a weak campaign. Either way, the choice is in the hands of the people — and that’s what keeps the Justice of the Peace the “people’s court”.
Picture credit: Judge Roy Bean on horseback, undated photograph, courtesy: Texas Department of Transportation
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The post Civic Sense: What’s a Justice of the Peace, and Who Gets to Be One? appeared first on El Paso Herald Post.
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