1. A civil officer or judge who administers the law, especially one who deals with minor cases in a court of law.
The magistrate dismissed the case due to lack of evidence.
O magistrado arquivou o caso devido à falta de provas.
2. A chief civil officer of a state or municipality with executive and judicial powers.
The magistrate was responsible for maintaining order in the town.
O magistrado era responsável pela manutenção da ordem na cidade.