Word

magistrate

noun C1

/ˈmæd͡ʒ.ɪˌstɹeɪt/

Meanings

noun

a judicial official who hears minor cases and manages early steps in criminal proceedings

noun

an official who has the legal power to issue warrants, set bail, or authorize certain legal procedures

Definition

A magistrate is a judicial official who deals with minor cases and early stages of court proceedings.

A magistrate is a judge or judicial officer, often in a lower court, who handles less serious criminal cases and some civil matters. Magistrates may also oversee preliminary hearings, issue warrants, and make decisions about bail. In some places, magistrates are legally trained professionals; in others, they may be specially appointed officials.

Examples

The magistrate reviewed the evidence briefly and scheduled a full hearing for the following week.
After listening to both sides, she asked the magistrate for clarification on the court’s next steps.
I was surprised by how quickly the magistrate dealt with the routine matters on the morning docket.
They appeared before the magistrate to confirm their identities and receive the date for trial.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse magistrate with mediator, but a magistrate is a court official with judicial authority, not a neutral negotiator.