noun
- plural of magistrate; civil officers or judges who administer the law, especially in local courts
Examples
- The magistrates heard several minor criminal cases that morning.
- Local magistrates have the authority to issue warrants.
- She appeared before the magistrates to answer the charges.
- The magistrates imposed a fine for the traffic violation.
- Three magistrates presided over the small claims court.
- The magistrates’ court handles most minor offenses in the district.