Justices Of The Peace

The Justices of the Peace oversee:

Elections – Justices are members of the Board of Civil Authority (BCA). Members of the BCA serve at town elections by Australian ballot and also for statewide elections, and are responsible for delivering absentee ballots to those who cannot vote in person.

Tax Abatement and Appeals – Justices are members of the Shrewsbury Board for Abatement of Taxes to determine whether a taxpayer’s obligation should be forgiven under certain circumstances. They also serve an important role in the town’s tax appeal process. As members of the Board of Civil Authority, justices sit to hear and decide appeals when citizens do not agree with the final decision of the listers.

Marriages – Justices may also solemnize marriage in Vermont.

Oaths and Notary – Justices may administer oaths in all cases where an oath is required, unless a specific law makes a different provision. A justice is a notary public ex officio and has all the acknowledgment powers of a notary public.

Magistrate – Justices of the Peace may also serve as a magistrate when so commissioned by the Supreme Court.