Court officers co-ordinate the administrative and procedural functions of federal, provincial and territorial courts, such as scheduling trials and overseeing the maintenance of court records. Justices of the peace administer oaths, issue subpoenas, summonses and warrants and perform other court-related duties such as conducting bail hearings.

Court officers usually require a university degree in law or business or public administration or a college diploma in public administration or legal studies.

Completion of a justice registrar, justice of the peace or other court training program is required for court officers and justices of the peace.

Several years of experience as a court clerk or in another court service occupation are usually required.

Justices of the peace in the provinces are appointed by the lieutenant governor in council and, in the territories, by federally appointed territorial commissioners.