Latest update April 16th, 2026 4:35 PM
Behind the mask of a magistrate
The perception of a magistrate can be far from the truth. Generally, a magistrate is viewed as a beast sitting on its throne. A person who finds himself before a magistrate is often scared. For one, he expects the magistrate to find against him.
A magistrate is an official who acts as a judge in a law court, which deals with minor crimes and disputes. He or she may hold preliminary hearings for more serious cases.
The magistrate is often the first person you come into contact with when you find yourself entangled in the criminal justice system. You’re arrested, charged and prepared to make your first appearance before the magistrate.
What many would be surprised to know is that magistrates do have a human side to them. While they may appear all stern and unmoveable, behind their eyes, they look at ensuring justice is served to a victim.
According to one magistrate, “I feel a joy when I can have persons come before me as bitter enemies for an offence committed and I listen to them as they explain what the other may have done. In the end, they air their views, apologize to each other and both leave with a smile. It is in that moment that I know I would have aided in ridding society of a lesser hate.”
That beast sitting on their throne is most likely to come into a courtroom with a smile on his face. Magistrates often share advice, childhood memories and if you are lucky, you may get in on hearing one of them crack a joke in the courtroom.
They open doors for persons to explain themselves and prepare for retribution.
They have common hobbies and activities. One magistrate stated, “When I leave the courtroom, everything about court stays there. I’m open to everyone; I find time to relax with and take in the little things around me.”
Magistrates come across people from all walks of life. In a hope of making a difference in someone’s life, they would even learn from persons coming before them things that make them better individuals and aid them in their service to the people.
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