magistrate

law

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June 30, 2026

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A magistrate is a public official with the authority to decide legal questions. In England and Wales, magistrates' courts handle a wide range of criminal offenses, from minor violations to more serious crimes. These courts are often presided over by lay, unpaid magistrates who, with the guidance of a clerk, study case facts and points of law.123

In the United States, magistrates may be elected or appointed and may or may not require legal training, depending on the jurisdiction. They often handle minor criminal matters, traffic offenses, and small civil claims. A judge is a public official vested with the authority to hear, determine, and preside over legal matters in a court of law. The roles and powers of judges can vary significantly, from a justice of the peace to a member of a supreme court.34

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China
Unification
…the prefects there were district magistrates (subprefects) in charge of areas corresponding roughly in size to counties. The duties of these subprefects were catholic, for they were supposed to see to all aspects of the welfare of the people in their area. This was the lowest level of major direct…
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…the prefects there were district magistrates (subprefects) in charge of areas corresponding roughly in size to counties. The duties of these subprefects were catholic, for they were supposed to see to all aspects of the welfare of the people in their area. This was the lowest level of major direct…
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common law
Reorganization of the courts
…the continuing role of lay magistrates, who remain important despite the appointment of paid, legally trained magistrates, now known as district judges, in London and some of the larger cities. An important aspect of the magistrates’ work has been their jurisdiction over young offenders, for whom special juvenile courts were…
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…the continuing role of lay magistrates, who remain important despite the appointment of paid, legally trained magistrates, now known as district judges, in London and some of the larger cities. An important aspect of the magistrates’ work has been their jurisdiction over young offenders, for whom special juvenile courts were…
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ancient Rome
Developments in the provinces
Magistrates and city senators generally had to pay handsomely for their election and thereafter make further handsome contributions, as need arose and so far as they could afford, toward the adornment of their community.
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Magistrates and city senators generally had to pay handsomely for their election and thereafter make further handsome contributions, as need arose and so far as they could afford, toward the adornment of their community.
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