<P> It is pertinent to note however, as many academics have pointed out, that there is great utility in the appointment of such justices especially in rural areas where enmity between rival groups can lead to the inability of registration of cognizable offences and biased judicial proceedings . </P> <P> A justice of the peace in Singapore derives his powers from statute law . He is appointed by the President of the Republic of Singapore, under the provisions of section 11 (l) of the Subordinate Courts Act (Cap. 321). The President may revoke the appointment of any justice of the peace . A newly appointed justice of the peace is required by section 17 of the Subordinate Courts Act, to take the oath of office and allegiance as set out in the schedule to the Subordinate Courts Act, before exercising the functions of his office . </P> <P> In their role, JPs serve as visiting justices of Singapore prisons, mediators or referees in the subordinate courts . They may also solemnise marriages in the Registry of Marriages or perform the duties of the magistrate conferred on them by any written law . </P> <P> In Sri Lanka, Justice of the Peace (JP) is an honorary post, with authorization to witness and sign statutory declarations and affidavits . Persons appointed as a Justice of the Peace may use the post-nominal JP . Current appointments are made under the Judicature Act No 02 of 1978, by the Minister of Justice at his / her discretion by publishing a list in the Gazette and appointee taking oaths before a high court, district court judge or magistrate with registrar of the supreme court recording it . Any citizen of Sri Lanka can apply to the Ministry of Justice giving his or her credentials to be appointed as a justice of the peace . However, the applicant should be one who has served the public and carries out social service and should be of good standing . The President of Sri Lanka and his / her officers are ex officio justices of the peace . A justice of the peace, who is an Attorney at law can be appointed as an unofficial magistrate . </P>

What does justice of the peace court do