The guiding principle when using the suffix JP is that magistrates should not appear to be deriving any benefit, financial or otherwise from their office as a JP. The letters JP should not be used for the furtherance of trade, professional, business or political interests. The following guidance has been issued.
Click here to view or download the guidance in Word format or see below.
1. The suffix may be used on private and business letterheads and other materials in the same way as suffixes relating to orders and decorations, academic or professional qualifications and similar references to status would naturally be used. (Guidance on the correct order of suffixes can be found at www.debretts.co.uk.)
2. However magistrates should, when considering using the suffix in this way, bear in mind the perceptions such usage can create. It should not, for instance, be given undue prominence when compared with other qualifications or honours. The DCA have had a number of complaints where it has been felt that individuals have been using the suffix as a way of gaining undue influence, financial gain or credibility for their views, particularly in relation to justice matters and even individual cases. This will often, of course, be a matter of perception, but magistrates should always be alert to how references to their status might reasonably strike. Any attempt to mis-use the status to gain benefit in this way would remain, potentially, a matter of misconduct.
3. There is particular sensitivity around usage in an electoral context. In this context, magistrates may refer to their status, as a matter or record and as evidence of their commitment to the local community and volunteering generally. However they must ensure that this is not done in a way which could reasonably be thought to cast doubt on their political impartiality on the bench – the importance of maintaining a politically neutral judiciary is paramount.
4. If magistrates wanting to use the suffix have any doubts of the propriety of the intended usage they should consult their local Advisory Committee.
5. Advisory Committees who are unsure as to potential usage should consult with their DCA liaison team.
Magistrates on the supplemental list
6. The above guidance will also apply to those magistrates on the supplemental list.
