magistrate

N. CAREFUL a false friend, see judge

(Eng) The court officer who presides in the Magistrates' Court and makes all findings about law and fact, imposes sentences and awards damages.

magistrates' court

(Eng) The Court where criminal proceedings start and which deals with the less serious offences and sends the more serious offences to a higher court to be dealt with. It also deals with limited family law matters.

for more information about Magistrates' Courts in England

In U.S. federal courts, magistrate judges can be appointed for 8 year terms. They help prepare the district judges' cases for trial. They also may preside over misdemeanor trials and may preside over civil trials when both parties agree.