Magistrate

The Magistrate is comparatively restrained and procedural. He attempts to evaluate arguments from both sides even when those arguments concern irrelevant matters such as the proper naming conventions of professional-wrestling techniques.

He is also surprisingly willing to entertain absurd objections. When Sakata Gintoki and Haga debate whether the alleged move should be called the Kinniku Buster or Hasegawa Buster, the Magistrate formally rules on the issue.

His straight-faced participation makes him an effective counterweight to the increasingly nonsensical defense and prosecution.

The Magistrate possesses no combat abilities established in the story.

His authority is judicial. He presides over criminal proceedings, rules on objections and determines which arguments and evidence may be considered by the court.

He demonstrates considerable patience in maintaining the trial despite the behavior of Gintoki, Haga and the defendant.

The Magistrate presides over the trial of Taizou Hasegawa, who has been accused of molestation after accidentally performing a wrestling maneuver on a woman aboard the Oedo Line.

Gintoki arrives as Hasegawa's completely unqualified defense attorney, while Haga serves as prosecutor. Their arguments immediately veer into a prolonged discussion of Kinnikuman techniques.

The Magistrate permits many of these exchanges and formally accepts Gintoki's argument that Hasegawa's version of the move should be called the "Hasegawa Buster."

As the trial continues, the courtroom becomes a parody of legal-drama and video-game courtroom conventions, with the Magistrate remaining in his judicial role throughout.

Taizou Hasegawa is the defendant whose molestation case the Magistrate hears.

Sakata Gintoki acts as Hasegawa's defense attorney and repeatedly presents unconventional arguments before the Magistrate.

Haga serves as prosecutor and argues against Gintoki throughout the proceedings.

Hatsu becomes relevant to Hasegawa's circumstances surrounding the case and his attempts to repair his personal life.