In Jamaica, the Magistrates’ Roll refers to an official list of Justices of the Peace (JPs) for that parish. It is traditionally kept and maintained as part of the parish’s civic records and is associated with the Custos Rotulorum — the parish’s chief magistrate and keeper of the roll.
What the Magistrates’ Roll Is
The Magistrates’ Roll is essentially a formal register of all Justices of the Peace in the parish of St Mary.
Justices of the Peace are lay persons appointed to assist in the administration of local justice — notably in Petty Sessions Court where they hear minor criminal matters and perform certain judicial and administrative functions.
The roll is traditionally held (or “kept”) by the Custos Rotulorum, who is the chief magistrate of the parish and responsible for ensuring that the roll is up to date and properly maintained.
Role of the Custos and the Roll
At the installation of a new Custos, the Governor-General presents the Custos with the Magistrates’ Roll along with the Grand…
