Magistrates are local officials who handle minor legal cases and administrative matters in the judicial system. They often oversee issues such as traffic violations, small claims, and preliminary hearings. Their role is to ensure that the law is applied fairly and efficiently, often without the need for a jury. In many countries, magistrates are appointed or elected and may not require formal legal training. They play a crucial role in the justice system by helping to alleviate the workload of higher courts, allowing them to focus on more serious cases. Their decisions can often be appealed to higher courts.