Judicial staff Most justices of the peace have an elected officer. The agent`s duties are to perform, serve and return all legal processes and documents in accordance with court directions. Some sheriff laws also govern the powers, duties and responsibilities of constables. The justice of the peace usually has one or more clerks who provide administrative assistance and maintain court records. In addition, courts in some busy urban districts have a receiver. Justice of the Peace Qualifications The requirements to be a Justice of the Peace are that you are a registered elector in Arizona, you reside in the judicial district, and you understand the English language. Although some justices of the peace are lawyers, it is not necessary for a judge to be a lawyer. Small claims cases are also heard in the courts. In these cases, the amount in dispute is $3,500 or less.

Small claims cases are much more informal than regular court proceedings and generally do not require lawyers. A small claims decision is not subject to appeal. Each district has courts presided over by a justice of the peace elected for a four-year term. These include civil lawsuits with a dispute of $10,000 or less, landlord-tenant controversies, minor claims, and the full range of civil and criminal traffic violations, including impaired driving. Justices of the peace also deal with other types of misdemeanor charges (e.g., shoplifting, poor checks, breach of injunctions) and, like other trial judges, deal with applications for protection orders and anti-harassment injunctions. Criminal justice Some justices of the peace hold preliminary hearings on criminal offences. All courts hear any type of crime that constitutes a misdemeanor under state law, including: Civil jurisdiction Courts hear lawsuits when the value of the dispute is $10,000 or less, including: The number of courts in a county depends on its population. For example, there are 26 courts in Maricopa County. Traffic justices of the peace also hear all types of civil and criminal traffic offences.