What is the Magistrates Roll in Jamaica?

In JamaicaJamaica, with its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, has a unique position in the global real estate market. The i... More, the Magistrates’ Roll refers to an official list of Justices of the Peace (JPsThe Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) is the island's primary electricity provider, with a history dating back to 192... More) for that parishIn Jamaica, a parish is a unique blend of community, culture, and history. Each of the 14 parishes serves as a local gov... More. It is traditionally kept and maintained as part of the parish’s civic records and is associated with the Custos RotulorumIn Jamaica, a Custos Rotulorum, commonly referred to as a Custos, is a prominent ceremonial and administrative official ... More — the parish’s chief magistrate and keeper of the roll.

What the Magistrates’ Roll Is

• The Magistrates’ Roll is essentially a formal register of all Justices of the Peace in the parish of St Mary.
• Justices of the Peace are lay persons appointed to assist in the administration of local justice — notably in Petty Sessions Court where they hear minor criminal matters and perform certain judicial and administrative functions.
• The roll is traditionally held (or “kept”) by the Custos Rotulorum, who is the chief magistrate of the parish and responsible for ensuring that the roll is up to date and properly maintained.

Role of the Custos and the Roll

• At the installation of a new Custos, the Governor-GeneralIn Jamaican real estate, the Governor-General represents the Monarchy and acts as the official representative of the Cro... More presents the Custos with the Magistrates’ Roll along with the Grand CommissionIn Jamaican real estate, commission refers to the fee paid to a real estate agent or broker for facilitating a property ... More for the parish — signifying the Custos’s authority and responsibility in overseeing the magistracy locally.
• In practice, before such ceremonies, all JPs in the parish may be asked to sign the Magistrates’ Roll (for example, at the Port Maria Civic CentreThe Port Maria Civic Centre, formerly known as the Port Maria Court House, is a significant historical and architectural... More) as part of confirming their names on this official list.

Why It Matters

• The roll serves as the official record of peopleThe people of Jamaica embody a spirit that is at once richly diverse and unbreakably unified, as captured by the nationa... More authorized to act as Justices of the Peace — crucial for functioning of the Petty Sessions Court and other communityIn Jamaica, "community" refers to more than just a geographic area; it embodies a collective identity rooted in shared e... More legal duties.
• Keeping the roll updated ensures that only current and qualified JPs are recognized for civic and judicial functions in St Mary.

DisclaimerA disclaimer is a statement that serves to limit or exclude liability, usually found in legal documents, websites, produ... More:
This information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For official confirmation or legal interpretation, please consult the Ministry of Justice, the Parish Office, or a qualified legal professional in Jamaica.