The article is devoted to the study of the evolution of the functions of justices of the peace in the context of the modern objectives of the judiciary in the Russian Federation. Examining the role of justice as an institution that ensures constitutional balance and accessibility of judicial protection, the article analyzes the impact of judicial reform on the development of the institution of magistrate courts. It is shown that justices of the peace play a key role in implementing the principles of justice due to their close proximity to citizens. The main trends are identified, and several directions for improving the legal status of the magistrate system are proposed.