How to Become a Justice of the Peace for Courts
- 1). Get an appropriate education. Most justices of the peace are lawyers -- many states require a law degree. You will have to get a bachelor's degree, then a law degree and pass your state bar exam in order to fulfill this requirement. While you can, in some states, become a JP without a law degree or the bar exam, having both will increase your chances of getting a justice of the peace position.
- 2). Work as a lawyer or in a legal profession. Experience working in the law gives you an ability to understand the judicial process even more thoroughly than the degree and a successful attempt at your bar exams.
- 3). Watch for and apply when justice of the peace positions open up in your area. Most states limit the number of sitting JPs, so openings will be rare. Keep an eye on the available postings, which should be available either online with your local secretary of state or your local bar association.
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