noun

magistrate

magistrate, Justice of the Peace

The magistrate heard the case in the local court.

The magistrate heard the case in the local court.

She was appointed as a lay magistrate.

She was appointed as a lay magistrate.

a magistrate a type of judge in a lower court The case was heard by a magistrate.

Synonyms: judge, justice of the peace (JP)

From Latin 'magistratus' meaning 'public office', from 'magister' meaning 'master'.

Think of a 'master' ('magister') of the law in a local court. It sounds a bit like 'majesty', someone with authority.

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