Real Dictionary

Justice of the Peace
in some states, a magistrate with jurisdiction over a small district, authorized to decide minor cases, commit persons to trial in a higher court, perform marriages, etc.
countable noun: In Britain, a Justice of the Peace is a person who is not a lawyer but who can act as a judge in a local criminal law court. The abbreviation JP is also used.
countable noun: In some states in the United States, a Justice of the Peace is an official who can carry out some legal tasks, such as settling minor cases in court or performing marriages. The abbreviation JP is also used.
noun: (in Britain) a lay magistrate, appointed by the crown or acting ex officio, whose function is to preserve the peace in his or her area, try summarily such cases as are within his or her jurisdiction, and perform miscellaneous administrative duties
noun: a local public officer, usually having jurisdiction to try and determine minor civil and criminal cases and to hold preliminary examinations of persons accused of more serious crimes, and having authority to administer oaths, solemnize marriages, etc.