What is one duty of a magistrate when an individual is arrested?

A primary duty of a magistrate when an individual is arrested is to inform the person of the accusation against them. This is a fundamental aspect of ensuring that the individual's rights are protected within the legal system. The confrontation with the charges allows the arrested person to understand the nature of the allegations and to prepare for their legal representation.

This duty aligns with constitutional protections, as it upholds the principle of due process, giving the accused an opportunity to respond to or defend against the charges.

In contrast, while granting bail is a responsibility typically associated with a magistrate, it is not an immediate necessity in every case. The recommendation of a lawyer is also not inherently the magistrate's duty, as defendants have the right to choose their legal representation. Additionally, a magistrate does not decide the guilt or innocence of the accused; that is the function of a trial court or jury after a complete legal process. Thus, informing the individual of the accusation is a critical first step in the legal proceedings following an arrest.