magistrate

/ˌmædʒəˈstreɪt/

/ˈmædʒɪstreɪt/

Other forms: magistrates

A magistrate is a person who lays down the law — a judge or other civil authority who conducts a court. Minor offenses are often brought before a magistrate.

Magistrate goes back to the Latin magistratus, meaning "administrator." Lawmakers and judges might have a role in making and changing laws; magistrates focus on carrying out the laws on a case-by-case basis. A magistrate doesn't usually make final rulings on murders or high-level cases. He or she might hear cases about things like property damage or traffic violations.

Definitions of magistrate

1. noun

   a lay judge or civil authority who administers the law (especially one who conducts a court dealing with minor offenses)
   types:

   justice of the peace

   a local magistrate with limited powers

   stipendiary, stipendiary magistrate

   (United Kingdom) a paid magistrate (appointed by the Home Secretary) dealing with police cases

   type of:

   judge, jurist, justice

   a public official authorized to decide questions brought before a court of justice