Page "Justice of the Peace" Paragraph 34

Justices of the Peace existed in Ireland prior to 1922, sitting in a bench under the supervision of resident magistrates at Petty Sessions to try minor offences summarily, and with a County Court Judge ( in his capacity of Chairman of Quarter Sessions ) and jury to try more serious offences at Quarter Sessions.

In the Irish Free State the position was effectively abolished by the District Justices ( Temporary Provisions ) Act 1923 and permanently abolished by the Courts of Justice Act 1924.

Their judicial powers were replaced by full time, legally qualified District Justices ( now called District Judges ) and their quasi judicial powers by lay Peace Commissioners.

Peace Commissioners may sign statutory declarations and affidavits, and may issue search warrants to the Garda Síochána ( Irish police ).