Before you try to become a justice of the peace, you should first decide why you would like to pursue this position. Some people want to perform weddings or other functions, while others pursue such a position to become involved in the judicial system. Once you have a clear understanding of why you want to pursue this position, you will need to do some research into the requirements set forth by the local, regional, or national government, as they can change from place to place. In many cases, there is no set minimum level of education necessary.
In other cases, it may be necessary to earn a bachelor's degree from a college or university before you will be eligible for the position. Choose a college major that pertains to law, philosophy, or other fields that will prepare you for a job in the justice system. This step may not be necessary in some regions, so you should do some research to find out what the particular requirements are before you commit to any educational steps.
It is likely that you will need to be a registered voter for a certain number of years before you can qualify to become a justice of the peace. You will also need to be a resident of the city, state, or region in which you intend to perform your duties. The residency requirements can vary as well, so be sure to take note of how long you must be a resident before you can apply. You can usually obtain all application materials by visiting your city hall or the local courthouse; if these places do not have the application materials, an employee will usually be able to tell you where you must go.
Sometimes you will have to go through the local political parties in order to become a justice of the peace, as a certain number of positions will be allotted to each party. The town clerk will be able to furnish a list of current justices from all parties, and it is a wise decision to visit with one or more of these people to get an idea of what it is like to work in this job. This person may also be able to put you in contact with the head of the local political parties, who will guide you on your way.
