Magistrate's Court
/ˈmædʒɪstreɪts kɔːrt/
Definitions
- (n.) A lower court in the judicial hierarchy that handles minor criminal cases, preliminary hearings, and some civil matters.
The defendant appeared before the magistrate's court for the initial hearing.
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Commentary
Often the first level of the criminal justice system, magistrate's courts typically deal with less serious offences and procedural matters; terminology may vary by jurisdiction.
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.