What is a Justice of the Peace?
In Vermont, Justices of the Peace are elected by voters in their city or town.
In Newport, VT, a JP serves a two-year term, and may be re-elected.
Justices of the Peace serve as the 'Board of Civil Authority' (or, BCA) for the community.
In this role, we are the supervisors of local elections - we inspect voter registration roles, check off voters at the polls, count ballots, and certify results. If there are any 'hanging chads' (remember Florida in 2000?!), we would have to determine the intent of the voter...
The BCA also serves as the "appeals board" for many municipal functions.
For example, if the Zoning Board or the Planning Commission makes a ruling,
that decision can be appealed to the BCA.
Or, property tax payers can appeal their appraisal (the property valuation set by the listers)
to the BCA - we are obligated to listen to the appellant and review their evidence,
inspect the property, and rule on its value.
In any of these appeals, the BCA acts as a judicial panel - witnesses are sworn,
evidence is presented, and after due deliberation, a verdict is rendered.
And, JPs can officiate weddings!
In Newport, VT, a JP serves a two-year term, and may be re-elected.
Justices of the Peace serve as the 'Board of Civil Authority' (or, BCA) for the community.
In this role, we are the supervisors of local elections - we inspect voter registration roles, check off voters at the polls, count ballots, and certify results. If there are any 'hanging chads' (remember Florida in 2000?!), we would have to determine the intent of the voter...
The BCA also serves as the "appeals board" for many municipal functions.
For example, if the Zoning Board or the Planning Commission makes a ruling,
that decision can be appealed to the BCA.
Or, property tax payers can appeal their appraisal (the property valuation set by the listers)
to the BCA - we are obligated to listen to the appellant and review their evidence,
inspect the property, and rule on its value.
In any of these appeals, the BCA acts as a judicial panel - witnesses are sworn,
evidence is presented, and after due deliberation, a verdict is rendered.
And, JPs can officiate weddings!
