MAGISTRATO
MAGISTRATO. — *Magistratus*, from *magister*, etymologically signifies a chief, a superintendent. In common usage, the concept of *magistrature* was often confused with that of a public office entrusted to specific individuals through election or drawing of lots. Among the Romans, in the Republican period, the *magistratus* were the consuls, censors, praetors, aediles, etc., but at that time the institution of jurisdiction, which holds such importance in modern legal systems for the concept of *magistratus*, was unknown. This institution developed during the Imperial era.
In the current political-administrative system, the term *magistrato* has two meanings: a) as a representative of state authority that is inherently continuous, such as the prefect, the mayor, etc.; b) as one who exercises the office of judge.