Mag'is·tra·cy noun ; plural Magistracies . [ From Magistrate .] 1. The office or dignity of a magistrate. Blackstone. 2. The collective body of magistrates. Found on http://www.encyclo.co.uk/webster/M/6
In its most enlarged signification, this term includes all officers, legislative, executive, and judicial. For example, in most of the state constitutions will be found this provision; "the powers of the government are divided into three distinct departments, and each of these is confided to a separate magistracy, to wit: those which are legislativ... Found on http://www.lectlaw.com/def2/m064.htm
magistracy 1. The position or function of a magistrate. 2. The term of office of a magistrate. 3. The district over which a magistrate has the power and authority to administer justice. 4. Magistrates considered as a group. Found on http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/4069/