Our History

The RAJSA was founded on 8 August 1898, establishing it as Australia’s oldest association representing Justices of the Peace. For more than a century, the Association has stood as a steward of tradition, professionalism, and voluntary service, supporting generations of Justices of the Peace as they serve the South Australian community.

 

At the close of the nineteenth century, Justices of the Peace recognised the value of coming together to share experience, uphold standards, and support one another in their civic role. From this recognition grew an association grounded in integrity, independence, and a deep sense of public responsibility; principles that continue to guide the RAJSA today.

A landmark moment in the Association’s early history came in 1904 with the publication of the first edition of The Honorary Magistrate. Created to inform, guide, and unite members, the journal quickly became a cornerstone of the RAJSA’s identity. Remarkably, The Honorary Magistrate continues to be published more than a century later, providing a tangible link between past and present members and preserving the profession's collective knowledge and customs.

Throughout its long history, the RAJSA has witnessed significant social, legal, and technological change. While the role of the Justice of the Peace has evolved, the Association has consistently adapted its training, publications, and support while maintaining respect for the independence of statutory office holders and the public trust placed in them.

Although the RAJSA is not a government body, it has long worked constructively with government agencies and community organisations to promote access to JPs and a clear understanding of the JP role.

Today, the RAJSA honours its heritage by recognising long service, preserving its traditions, and supporting members with the same purpose that inspired its founders in 1898. The Association’s history is not only a record of the past, but a living legacy that continues to shape its contribution to the South Australian community.

Key Dates in History

1898
Formation of the Justices Association

The formation of a Justices’ Association in S.A. began on 8 August 1898 with a meeting of Justices held in the Adelaide Town Hall Reception Room (presided over by the Lord Mayor, Mr Chas Tucker MP). It was determined that an Association be formed. It was hoped the Association would tend to a more satisfactory administration of Justice by setting higher ideals for its members, inspiring a more profound sense of responsibility, and promoting knowledge and efficiency: “I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of this State.”

1899
Became an Incorporation
1904
First edition of the Honorary Magistrate published
1912
The first Justices Group, Port Adelaide, was formed. There are currently 21 active Groups which are the mainstay of the Association.
1937
Ladies’ Auxiliary established and disbanded in 1943.
1945
The Justices Bowling Club was formed and disbanded in 2018.
1957
Formation of The Institute of Justices which encouraged women JPs to become full members. The Justices Association was against accepting women as equal and full members.
1961
The two Associations agreed to merge and admit women as full members.
1962
Handbook for Justices of the Peace by John Marshall LLB published.
In 1967 he wrote the guidelines for the Justices of the Quorum course at TAFE allowing JPs to sit on the Bench. The JQ course was discontinued in 1997 when Government funding ceased.
1962
Queen Elizabeth II granted the Association the right to use the prefix “Royal.”
1970
First Daily (Signing) Room was started at the Adelaide Magistrates Court.
1991
Isabel Williams elected as the first female President.
She remembers being greeted with the comment “However will we manage” by a male member when introduced as the new President.
2004
The Training committee was established which is today called the Professional Development Committee (PDC.)
2011
RAJSA introduced the on-line Learning Management System (LMS)
2014
Introduction of an all-day induction course for new JPs
2017
Establishment of a Board to replace the State Council to better manage the operations of the Association.
2020
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, a Signing Room was established at the Netley office.
During its operation, a total of 8,329 documents were witnessed.
2022
Marturein Australia Pty Ltd established.
To cater for the training of the ever-growing list of Authorised Witnesses. The Association is one of two primary shareholders of Marturein.
2025
RAJSA becomes a registered Charity with the ACNC.
2026
The Association opens it's support and services to JPs in the Northern Territory

Royal Association of Justices of S.A.

ESTABLISHED 1898

(08) 8297 4044

registrar@rajsa.com.au

22 Chancery Lane, Adelaide S.A 5000

Open Monday to Wednesday, 9:30am - 4pm by appointment