MAGISTRATE Meaning and
Definition
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A magistrate is an official appointed by the government or the judicial system to administer and dispense justice within a specific jurisdiction. Serving as the lowest level of judiciary, a magistrate has limited powers compared to judges or justices. The role of a magistrate may vary depending on the legal system of a country, but generally, they preside over various types of lower-level court proceedings.
Magistrates play a pivotal role in the judicial process as their decisions and rulings often form the basis for further legal actions. Their responsibilities typically include conducting preliminary hearings, issuing search warrants, granting bail, and making determinations on whether a case should proceed to trial. Moreover, magistrates have the authority to oversee minor criminal cases, such as traffic violations, misdemeanors, and civil matters involving lower monetary values.
In addition to their judicial duties, magistrates may be involved in administrative functions, such as managing court documents, scheduling hearings, and facilitating negotiations between parties. They are expected to possess a thorough understanding of the law, procedural regulations, and legal principles in order to ensure fair and impartial judgments.
Overall, the role of a magistrate revolves around the fair and efficient administration of justice within their assigned jurisdiction. Through their expertise and adherence to legal principles, magistrates contribute significantly to the legal system by upholding the rule of law and providing accessible justice at the grassroots level.
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A public civil officer invested with executive or judicial authority; a justice of the peace.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of MAGISTRATE
The word "magistrate" comes from the Latin term "magistratus", which is the past participle form of "magistrare", meaning "to be a magistrate" or "to rule". It is derived from the Latin word "magister", which means "master" or "chief". In ancient Rome, the term "magistratus" referred to an elected official or a person holding an important public position with legal authority and jurisdiction. Over time, the usage of the word shifted, and today, a magistrate is generally understood as a public official who enforces laws and presides over certain legal proceedings.
Similar spelling words for MAGISTRATE
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