Commentary on Sections: Part 2 Lay Justices Section 9: Meaning of “lay justice”
44.The purpose of this section is to clarify, throughout the Act, the difference between references to justices of the peace and lay justices.
45.The title of justice of the peace still applies to lay justices; but technically it may refer equally to a lay justice and to a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts). For clarity throughout this Act the term “lay justice” has been used in those sections where a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) is not meant to be included in the provision. Although existing legislation, and the Act, refers to lay justices, they are also popularly known as “lay magistrates”, the expression used in these notes.