Magistrate (noun)

1. A civil officer who administers the law, especially one who conducts a court that deals with minor offenses and holds preliminary hearings for more serious ones.
2. A public official who is authorized to administer oaths, affirmations and affirmations, and to take depositions and affidavits.
3. A judge or justice of the peace in some jurisdictions.

Origin:

Late middle english: from latin magistratus, from magister "chief, master".

Examples:

1. The local magistrate is responsible for maintaining order in the town.
2. The magistrate's court is where most minor legal cases are heard.
3. The magistrate's decision was final and could not be appealed.
4. The defendant appeared before the magistrate on charges of assault.
5. The police brought the suspect to the magistrate for arraignment.