Kathleen Sharpe has been part of an ancient position.
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Harking back to the 12th century in England, the role of Justice of the Peace, or JPs, has steadily evolved beyond literally keeping peace intact and having a crucial role in the justice system.
Today, JPs act as independent and objective witnesses to documents people use for official or legal purposes, including witnessing oaths, signatures, the true copy of original documents and wills.
This year Mrs Sharpe marked half-a-century in the position, which is voluntary and unpaid, with a certificate from the NSW Attorney-General’s office, presented by Member for Orange Philip Donato.
Mrs Sharpe said while she hadn’t pulled off any citizen’s arrests or stood in court, she was proud to have served 50 years helping the community.
“It’s the satisfaction of helping someone else who needed a JP, because so many things these days need to be signed by JP,” she said.
“I’ve signed some wills, legal documents, bank documents, a lot of things.
“It has come in handy having it … down the bowling club, a few of the men had it, but if the ladies wanted anything done they would come to me to get it done, and also some of the cricketers and I signed a few of their forms as well. “
Mrs Sharpe is the widow of the late Carl Sharpe, and he was the catalyst for becoming a JP.
“Everyone used to be looking for him and it got to the stage where he’d be somewhere out of town on sport or cricket tours that he used to go to and people would come up to get something signed and he just said you might as well get it yourself,” she said.
Mr Donato said JPs played an important part of the community.
“They play an important role and it’s a very honourable position in our community and goes back centuries with the position and authority of Justice of the Peace,” he said.
“There was a time when they used to determine bail matters over at the court, a long time ago now, but it’s great recognising Kathleen on 50 years of service.”
Mr Donato said JPs could often be in short supply, and Mrs Sharpe “absolutely” recommended people take the role on.
Max Stainkamph
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
Max joined the CWD in September 2017, leaving the big smoke of Melbourne to come to Orange, where he stayed until 2020.
