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Glite Dictionary
magistrature

magistrature

9.9
A group of judges and local officials who have legal power
  • noun
  • /ˈmædʒɪstrətʃər/
  • Formal
translation icon : magistratura
  • She aspired to hold a position within the magistrature after completing her law degree.

Examples

  • The reforms aimed to strengthen the independence of the magistrature in the judicial system.

  • The magistrature plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order in the community.

  • "Ours is not a democracy but a dictatorship of the magistrature," he said, listing the amount of time and money he has had to spend to defend himself in trials he says are all based on unfounded accusations.

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Synonyms

magistracy
vsmagistrature
  • Formal
1 8.9

The job and power of a local judge who decides minor court cases

is the same meaning but differs only as an alternative form

Surface Forms

magistrature singular
magistratures plural

Morphology

magistrature = magistrate (semi-transparent) = magistrate + ure

The word is recognizably built on 'magistrate' with a nominal suffix, but the form is learned and not fully transparent to an average learner.

Etymology

The word magistrature comes from the Latin magistratus, which comes from magister meaning 'master' or 'teacher', like the English master. So magistrature means the office, position, or authority of a magistrate, the role of someone in charge.