C1nounformal10K+

Magistrate

UK /["/ˈmædʒɪstreɪt/"]/US /["/ˈmædʒɪstreɪt/"]/

Definition

an official who acts as a judge in the lowest courts of law

In simple words: A judge in a lower court who makes decisions about legal cases.

Examples

  • to come up before the magistrates
  • A magistrate ordered that they return to the UK.
  • He is due to appear before magistrates on a charge of assault.
  • She was granted bail by Liverpool magistrates.
  • The prosecutor submits a dossier to an examining magistrate.

Usage notes

Used in legal contexts, particularly in discussions about the judicial system. Not typically used in everyday conversation. More common in formal writing and discussions about law.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'magic straight' — think of a strict judge who keeps order like magic!

Collocations

  • examining
  • investigating
  • licensing
  • appoint somebody
  • appoint somebody as
  • appear before
  • hear something
  • decide something
  • rule something
  • judge
  • magistrates’ court

Synonyms

  • judge
  • jurist
  • court official
  • administrator
  • arbitrator

Antonyms

  • defendant
  • criminal

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'magician' due to similar sound.
  • Using it to refer to any judge, instead of a specific type of judge.
  • Incorrectly spelling it as 'magistrate' with an 'a' instead of 'e'.