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Magistrate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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magistrate

[ˈmadʒɪstreɪt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

law

A civil officer or lay judge who administers the law, especially one who conducts a court that deals with minor offenses and holds preliminary hearings for more serious ones.

Synonyms

judge, justice, official.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
magistrate

A magistrate is typically a lower-level judicial officer who handles minor civil and criminal cases, including preliminary hearings, minor offenses, and small claims.

  • The magistrate found the defendant guilty of the minor traffic violation.
  • She appeared before the magistrate for a preliminary hearing.
judge

A judge is a higher-ranking official who presides over court proceedings, including major civil and criminal cases. They have the authority to make legal decisions and rulings.

  • The judge sentenced the criminal to ten years in prison.
  • A judge must remain impartial during the trial.
justice

Justice is often used in the context of higher courts, such as Supreme Courts, and refers to a judge who serves on these higher-level courts. The term can also be used in a broader sense to denote fairness and the administration of the law.

  • Justice Stevens wrote the opinion for the majority.
  • She dedicated her career to achieving justice for all.
official

An official is a general term that refers to a person holding a position of authority in an organization, government, or institution. This term is not specific to the judicial system and can refer to various roles, including administrative and regulatory positions.

  • The government official announced new regulations for public safety.
  • She was an official responsible for overseeing the election process.

Examples of usage

  • The magistrate listened to both sides of the argument before making a decision.
  • If you are unhappy with the magistrate's ruling, you can appeal to a higher court.
Context #2 | Noun

historical

A civil officer or lay judge who administers the law, especially in ancient Rome.

Synonyms

Roman official, ancient judge.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
magistrate

Use this word when referring to a local or minor judicial officer, typically dealing with smaller or administrative legal matters.

  • The magistrate presided over the small claims court to resolve the dispute.
  • He was appointed as a magistrate in the town's judicial district.
Roman official

This phrase is best used when discussing governmental or administrative officers in ancient Rome, often in historical or academic contexts.

  • The Roman official was responsible for the administration of justice in his province.
  • As a Roman official, he took part in the large infrastructure projects of the empire.
ancient judge

This term is suitable when speaking about judges from historical or ancient times, particularly in a historical or literary context.

  • The ancient judge was known for his wisdom and fairness in ancient Greece.
  • Historians often study the rulings of ancient judges to understand old legal systems.

Examples of usage

  • In ancient Rome, the magistrate played a crucial role in upholding the law and maintaining order.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'magistrate' comes from the Latin word 'magistratus,' meaning 'one having control or authority.'
  • In ancient Rome, magistrates were elected officials responsible for maintaining public order and justice.
  • During the Middle Ages, magistrates evolved, overseeing local governments and the enforcement of royal laws.

Legal Definition

  • Magistrates typically handle minor criminal cases, such as traffic violations and petty theft.
  • In some countries, magistrates also perform marriages, manage small claims courts, and issue restraining orders.
  • Unlike judges in higher courts, magistrates often work without a jury, deciding cases based on the evidence presented.

Cultural References

  • Magistrates have been depicted in various literature and media, often embodying themes of justice and moral dilemmas.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters sometimes refer to magistrates when addressing issues of law and order.
  • Popular TV shows often feature magistrates as judges or community leaders, emphasizing their role in maintaining peace and resolving conflicts.

International Perspectives

  • In the United Kingdom, magistrates are usually volunteers and do not need formal legal training, though they undergo training.
  • In some countries, such as Japan, magistrate roles are more formalized, with trained judges fulfilling similar duties.
  • In Australia, magistrates operate within a hierarchical legal system, leading to the establishment of various specialized courts.

Contemporary Roles

  • Modern magistrates often deal with cases involving family law, such as custody disputes and domestic issues.
  • They play a critical role in the juvenile justice system, focusing on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
  • Recent reforms in many legal systems aim to empower magistrates to address issues like mental health and social services in their rulings.

Origin of 'magistrate'

The word 'magistrate' comes from the Latin word 'magistratus', which means 'magistracy' or 'office of magister'. In ancient Rome, magistrates were elected officials who held significant power and authority in governing the city. Over time, the term evolved to refer to civil officers or lay judges who administer the law in various legal systems around the world.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,286 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.