In December 1876, in terms of Act No 10 of 1876, entitled an “Act to improve the Administration of Justice in places distant from a Seat of Magistracy”, the limits of a Special Justice of the Peace for Jamestown were proclaimed as from 13 January 1877. Government Notice No 761 of 21 December 1876 notified the appointment a Special Justice of the Peace at Jamestown of AJ Kidwell.

Proclamation No 3 of 11 January 1883 announced the establishment of an additional court to that of the Special Justice of the Peace, namely a Periodical Court to be held by the Resident Magistrate of Aliwal North at Jamestown.

The office of Special Justice of the Peace was upgraded to that of an Assistant Magistrate as from 1 September 1952.