A magistrate with the authority to conduct preliminary hearings and to decide whether the evidence merits a criminal case.

plural of committing magistrate

A magistrate who presides in a police court.

plural of police magistrate

In England and Wales, a lower court of law that deals with less serious offences, as well as initial hearings for serious offences prior to referring these to the Crown Court. Cases are heard by two or three magistrates, or sometimes a district judge, without a jury.

plural of Glasgow magistrate

(UK, slang, obsolete) A salted herring.