What does a judge do? ‐ CareerExplorer

What is a Judge?

Judges apply the law to court cases and oversee the legal process in courts. They also resolve administrative disputes and facilitate negotiations between opposing parties. Most judges are employed in the various levels of government. Most work in courts, and the majority work full time.

What does a Judge do?

Judges apply the law to court cases, oversee legal processes, resolve disputes, and facilitate negotiations between opposing parties.

Judges typically do the following:

Research legal issues
Read and evaluate information from documents such as motions, claim applications, or records
Preside over hearings and listen to or read arguments by opposing parties
Determine if the information presented supports the charge, claim, or dispute
Decide if the procedure is being conducted according to the rules and law
Analyze, research, and apply laws, regulations, or precedents to reach judgments, conclusions, or agreements
Write opinions, decisions, or instructions regarding the case, claim, or dispute

Judges commonly preside over trials or hearings of cases regarding nearly every aspect of society, from individual traffic offences to issues concerning the rights of large corporations. They listen to arguments and determine whether the evidence presented deserves a trial. In criminal cases, they may decide that people charged with crimes should be held in jail until the trial, or they may set conditions for their release. They also approve search and arrest warrants.

Judges interpret the law to determine how a trial will proceed, which is particularly important when unusual circumstances arise for which standard procedures have not been established. They ensure that hearings and trials are conducted fairly and the legal rights of all involved parties are protected.

In trials in which juries are selected to decide the case, judges instruct jurors on applicable laws and direct them to consider the facts from the evidence. For other trials, judges decide the case.

A judge who determines guilt in criminal cases may impose a sentence or penalty on the guilty party. In civil cases, the judge may award relief, such as compensation for damages, to the parties who win the lawsuit. Some judges, such as appellate court judges, review decisions and records made by lower courts, and make decisions based on lawyers’ written and oral arguments.

Judges use various forms of technology, such as electronic databases and software, to manage cases and prepare for trials. In some cases, they also may manage the court’s administrative and clerical staff.

Types of Judges:

Bankruptcy Judge
Probate Judge
Trial Judge
Presiding Judge
Magistrate Judge
Family Law Judge
Superior Court Judge
District Court Judge
Chief Judge
Senior Judge
Circuit Judge
Court of Appeals Judge
Hanging Judge
Administrative Law Judge
County Judge

Are you suited to be a judge?

Judges have distinct personalities. They tend to be enterprising individuals, which means they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic. They are dominant, persuasive, and motivational. Some of them are also social, meaning they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly.

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What is the workplace of a Judge like?

Judges do most of their work in offices and courtrooms. Their jobs can be demanding because they must sit in the same position in the court or hearing room for long periods and give undivided attention to the process.

Judges are also known as:
Magistrate Judge District Court Judge Superior Court Judge Circuit Court Judge County Judge Circuit Judge Court of Appeals Judge District Judge Presiding Judge Trial Judge Probate Judge Chief Judge Senior Judge Hanging Judge Supreme Court Judge Chief Justice of the Supreme Court