By Alison Noonan
AT just 25 years of age, David Cope is Cranbourne’s newest, and perhaps youngest, Justice of the Peace.
His proud father Keith said David had always taken a keen interest in social science and justice, however he was not able to fulfil his youthful ambition of becoming a police officer.
“He just wanted to be involved in the justice system so this was the next step for him,” Keith said.
“Most people aren’t interested in becoming a JP at his age but it is nice that he has shown an interest.
“We’ve been very fortunate with David, we’ve never had any trouble.
“He’s what you call a ‘clean skin’,” he said.
David can now witness a range of documents, including statutory declarations and affidavits and can certify true copies in his role as a Justice of the Peace.
In some states and territories, JPs can also conduct bail hearings, authorise various warrants and sit on the Magistrates’ Court bench.
Justices of the Peace were historically responsible to the king in the late 1100s for ensuring that the law was upheld and were known as custodes pacis (keepers of the peace).
Justices of the Peace were recognised in Australian colonies in 1788. As well as witnessing documents in their own state, JPs are frequently used for witnessing interstate documents and some international documents.
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