Many states have eliminated the Justice of
the Peace (JP) position; however, six states still use JPs for various
roles. Requirements to become a JP vary by state, but typically include
being elected or appointed to the post. There are no specific education
requirements for this position, but there are a variety of online
courses and programs that may be beneficial, such as certificate or
bachelor's degree programs in political science, criminal justice or
administration of justice.
Overview of Justice of the Peace Courses Available Online
Roles and requirements of a Justice of the Peace vary widely across
states and the position is decreasing in prevalence. In states where the
role of Justice of the Peace does exist, duties vary and may include
officiating weddings, administering oaths and possibly presiding over
minor criminal and civil matters.
Given the changing and diverse nature of the role, students may wish
to clarify their end goals and make sure they are aligned with specific
courses available online, as well as state legal and educational
requirements. Examples of degree programs with courses available online
that could be relevant to those working as a Justice of the Peace
include those leading to a certificate or undergraduate degree in
criminal justice, law, political science or
administration of justice. Sociology courses may also be useful.
Course Requirements
To participate in these courses, a computer with an updated operating
system, high-speed Internet access, monitor of sufficient size and
resolution, ample memory and sound card with speakers are typically
required. Students may also need a current browser and personal e-mail
account.
List of Online Courses for Prospective Justices of the Peace
American Politics Course
This course is found in many political science undergraduate programs
and focuses on how the American political system, policymaking process
and key political issues relate to law and its enforcement. Components
of the government at the local, state and national levels are examined,
along with role of policy in addressing public opinion, stakeholder
needs and economic demands. Statistical analysis and research methods
for evaluating policy issues are also discussed.
Ethics of Justice Course
This course discusses ethical theories and their application to
current issues for justice administration professionals. Requirements of
ethical decision making are discussed along with concepts like
morality, justice and social control. Contemporary topics covered
include capital punishment, affirmative action, same-sex marriage,
euthanasia and torture. Legal ethics courses are often found in
undergraduate administration of justice, political science and law
enforcement programs.
Marriage and the Law Course
Students learn about the legal characteristics, creation and
dissolution of civil unions, same-sex, common law and traditional
marriages in this sociology course. The affects of social change on
traditional marriage are examined and views and laws of non-traditional
marriages are covered. Additional topics include legal rights and
responsibilities of spouses, the legal processes and obligations of
divorce, benefits of marital status, the regulation of the ability to
marry and spousal abuse.
Justice Administration Course
This course is found within administration of justice and criminal
justice programs and looks at the characteristics of effective justice
administration. It also includes an overview of the criminal justice
system and evaluation of law enforcement philosophies.
Interrelationships of subsystems in the justice system and career
opportunities in the field are also discussed, as well as
responsibilities and expectations of the public.
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