Issue: № 5, 2025
Doi: https://doi.org/10.37634/efp.2025.5.8
The paper explores the archaic form of quasi-judicial authority known as the justice of the peace within the context of prospects for introducing the institution of justices of the peace in Ukraine. This initiative is considered as a potential mechanism for optimizing the structure of the judiciary, alleviating the workload of courts of general jurisdiction, and developing alternative procedures for handling minor offences and low-significance legal disputes. The relevance of the topic is substantiated in light of the current shortage of judicial personnel, excessive caseloads, and the need to rationalize public expenditures under martial law. Particular attention is paid to the fragmented implementation of the institution of criminal misdemeanors and the omission of administrative offences of a quasi-criminal nature from reform efforts. Based on a historical and legal analysis of the functioning of justices of the peace in 19th-century Ukraine and a comparative review of models applied in Canada, France, and the United Kingdom, the paper outlines approaches to the possible formal integration of this institution into the Ukrainian legal system. The views of scholars and practitioners regarding the benefits and risks of electing justices of the peace, their potential dependence on local communities and public administration bodies are examined. The paper further analyses the prospective scope of powers of justices of the peace, qualification requirements, and the imperative to adhere to international standards of judicial conduct, particularly the Bangalore Principles. The study concludes that the phased implementation of this institution may be appropriate, provided it aligns with the legal culture of society, ensures procedural efficiency, safeguards impartiality, and prevents the institutional blending of judicial and executive functions.
Keywords : justice of the peace, administrative offences, local court of general jurisdiction, judiciary structure, justice, Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct, local self-government bodies, delict, public administration body, mediation
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