A magistrate is an official who presides over minor legal proceedings, primarily in the context of criminal law, but also in civil matters. In many legal systems, magistrates are appointed or elected to serve in courts of limited jurisdiction, such as magistrates’ courts or municipal courts. They typically handle preliminary hearings, issue warrants, decide bail conditions, and adjudicate minor criminal offences or civil disputes. Magistrates are often laypersons who do not require formal legal training but are equipped with knowledge of the law and procedures relevant to their jurisdiction. In some cases, magistrates may work alongside or under the supervision of judges. Their role is crucial in administering justice efficiently at the grassroots level of the legal system.
n.
- a generic term for any judge of a court, or anyone officially performing a judge’s functions.
- in a few states, an officer of the court at the lowest level who hears small claims lawsuits, serves as a judge for charges of minor crimes and/or conducts preliminary hearings in criminal cases to determine if there is enough evidence presented by the prosecution to hold the accused for trial.
- in federal courts, an official who conducts routine hearings assigned by the federal judges, including preliminary hearings in criminal cases.
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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
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