Cognizance of offences by Magistrates:

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“Cognizance of offences by Magistrates” refers to the authority granted to magistrates to take notice of and initiate legal proceedings against individuals who are suspected of having committed criminal offenses. In many legal systems, magistrates, who are judicial officers with limited jurisdiction, have the power to conduct preliminary inquiries into alleged offenses and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.

When a magistrate takes cognizance of an offense, it means they have acknowledged the alleged wrongdoing and have decided to commence legal proceedings. This typically involves the issuance of a summons or warrant for the accused person to appear in court. The magistrate will then examine the evidence presented and evaluate whether there is a prima facie case (i.e., a case that appears to have sufficient evidence for a conviction).

The authority of magistrates to take cognizance of offenses is usually limited to certain types of offenses or those of lesser severity. In more serious cases, such as major crimes or felonies, the magistrate may only have the power to conduct a preliminary hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to transfer the case to a higher court, where it will be heard by a judge.

It’s important to note that the specific rules and procedures regarding the cognizance of offenses by magistrates can vary between jurisdictions, as different countries have different legal systems and laws in place. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult the relevant legal statutes and regulations of the specific jurisdiction in question for accurate and up-to-date information.

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