Magistrate
/ˈmædʒɪstreɪt/
Definitions
- (n.) A judicial officer with limited authority to administer the law, often handling minor cases or preliminary hearings.
The magistrate presided over the arraignment hearing.
Forms
- magistrates
Related terms
Commentary
Magistrates typically handle less serious legal matters; clarity in jurisdictional scope is important in legal drafting.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.