magistracy
Americannoun
-
the office or function of a magistrate.
-
a body of magistrates.
-
the district under a magistrate.
noun
-
the office or function of a magistrate
-
magistrates collectively
-
the district under the jurisdiction of a magistrate
Etymology
Origin of magistracy
First recorded in 1570–80; magistr(ate) + -acy
Explanation
If someone is a magistrate — a judge or other civil officer — her position or office is a magistracy. A magistracy in an English town deals with small, local crimes and offenses. The United States doesn't have magistrates or magistracies, but in many countries they are part of the legal systems. In the UK and Australia, for example, a magistracy hears the majority of cases, with more serious criminal cases being heard by judges in larger courts. Both magistrate and magistracy come from a Latin word, magistratus, "public functionary or civil officer," which shares its root with the English word master.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A spokesperson from the department tells BBC Newsbeat that "the government wants to ensure that the magistracy reflects the diversity of the communities it serves, including age, background and experience".
From BBC • Mar. 20, 2025
The DNA’s chief prosecutor, Laura Codruta Kovesi, a basketball star in her teens, rose through the magistracy before getting the top job in April 2013.
From Economist • Feb. 19, 2015
While what Barton, and possibly Rio Ferdinand, tweeted was seriously prejudicial, it fails the substantial risk test because of the expectation of impartiality of the magistracy and judiciary.
From The Guardian • Jul. 9, 2012
After Tom Jones, which Fielding published when he was 41, the government gave him a small sinecure, the magistracy of Westminster.
From Time Magazine Archive
The magistracy, police, and prisons cost about £40,000 annually; but this is exclusive of large sums disbursed by the court of aldermen.
From Collins' Illustrated Guide to London and Neighbourhood by Anonymous
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
