Arizona Justice of the Peace Association

 "H I S T O R Y"

ARIZONA JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND CONSTABLE ASSOCIATION 

It was in the 1940's when the Justices of the Peace and Constables in Arizona met and formed a group and called themselves "ARIZONA JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND CONSTABLE ASSOCIATION."  By the early 1990's, the Association had become very strong not only monetarily but had gained strength in lobbying judicial issues with their state legislators.  It was then ruled by the Arizona Supreme Court that there needed to be a separation of powers and that the Justices of the Peace and Constables could no longer co-mingle as an association.  Consequently, the association separated immediately dividing the association funds.

ARIZONA JUSTICE COURTS ASSOCIATION

The Justices of the Peace quickly formed a new association, named "ARIZONA JUSTICE COURTS ASSOCIATION."  This association established an open policy whereas anybody with the courts could be a member.  This association lasted approximately two years when its members realized that court employee issues were different in all the classifications and terminated this association.

ARIZONA JUSTICE OF THE PEACE ASSOCIATION  

In 1996 a new organization was formed called "ARIZONA JUSTICE OF THE PEACE ASSOCIATION."  Membership was limited to Justices of the Peace currently in office.  Hon. Sherry Geisler was the first president  and the key figure in forming this association and keeping it going.  Other than  the bylaw changes in 2004 adding Magistrates and Pro Tem's and making officially retired justices honorary members.

ARIZONA MAGISTRATES ASSOCIATION 

The Arizona Magistrates Association was formed for the purpose of representing the municipal court judges across the state. The main focus was education and networking. The association was open to all Magistrates, JP's and Pro Tem's, as well as retired members.

LIMITED JURISDICTION JUDGES ASSOCIATION

In 2024, the Arizona Justice of the Peace Association and the Arizona Magistrates Association merged to create one association representing all of the limited jurisdiction judges in the state. The two organizations had so many similarities, it just made sense to combine the two associations into the larger, more influential group it is today. The association is open to all Magistrates, JP's and Pro Tem's, as well as retired members.

INTERVIEWS AND CONTRIBUTIONS FROM: HON. SHERWOOD JOHNSTON, HON. SHERRY GEISLER, HON. BILL SUTTON, HON. DAVID WIDMAIER, HON. ANNA MARY GLAAB, RETIRED HON. GLENN STONER AND HON. KATHERINE BLAYLOCK