Which of the following best describes the role of a magistrate in summary cases?

The role of a magistrate in summary cases primarily involves determining the guilt of the accused and imposing a sentence if found guilty. Summary cases are typically less serious offenses, and magistrates have the authority to hear and decide these matters without a jury.

When a case is brought before a magistrate, they assess the evidence, evaluate the credibility of witnesses, and ultimately decide whether the defendant is guilty or not. If the defendant is found guilty, the magistrate will then impose an appropriate penalty, which can include fines, community service, or in some cases, a short term of imprisonment.

The other options do not accurately reflect the comprehensive role of a magistrate in these situations. For example, imposing penalties without a conviction suggests a lack of determination of guilt, while solely acting as an investigator would exclude the decision-making aspect crucial to a magistrate's duties. Conducting jury trials is inherently incorrect since magistrates typically handle cases without juries, which is a hallmark of summary proceedings.