A judge is an impartial and neutral official appointed or elected to preside over legal proceedings in a court of law. Judges are responsible for ensuring that trials and hearings are conducted fairly, impartially, and in accordance with applicable laws and procedures. Their primary duties include interpreting and applying the law, ruling on motions and objections raised by parties, making decisions on matters of law and fact, and instructing juries on the law. Judges also play a crucial role in ensuring that the rights of all parties involved in legal proceedings are protected and that justice is served. Depending on the jurisdiction and the level of court, judges may have different titles, such as magistrate, justice, or chancellor.
a public official authorised to decide questions brought before a court of justice
A public official appointed to decide cases in a court of law.
- A public official whose duty it is to administer the law, especially by presiding over trials and rendering judgments; a justice.
- A person who decides the fate of someone or something that has been called into question.
- A person officiating at a sports or similar event.
- A person whose opinion on a subject is respected.
- To sit in judgment on; to pass sentence on.
- To sit in judgment, to act as judge.
- To form an opinion on.
- To arbitrate; to pass an opinion on something, especially to settle a dispute etc.
- To have as an opinion; to consider, suppose.
- To form an opinion; to infer.
- To criticize or label another person or thing.
A judge is a public official who hears cases in a court of law. After hearing the evidence they pronounce a judgement. Many states have a threshold that the alleged damages must meet in order to give the plaintiff the right to request a jury trial. This is also known as the “amount in controversy.” If the damages are lower than the threshold the case must be heard by a judge.
Judges have numerous responsibilities, including ensuring the laws are being followed correctly and overseeing hearings and trials. Judges must have a college degree, and they must attend law school and pass the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). They must become a lawyer. Most lawyers who aspire to be judges will also try to work for a judge as a law clerk. Judges are either appointed or elected so the individual will also need to have a good reputation and political support. Finally, a judge should continue to receive training.
A judge presides over legal proceedings, ensuring that they are conducted fairly and according to the law. They make rulings on matters of law, admissibility of evidence, and instruct juries in trials.
The process of appointing or electing judges varies by jurisdiction. In some places, judges are appointed by the executive branch or a judicial selection committee, while in others, they may be elected by voters.
Qualifications for judges vary depending on the jurisdiction and level of the court. Generally, judges are required to have a law degree, extensive legal experience, and a license to practice law.
Judicial independence refers to the principle that judges should be free from external influence or pressure when making decisions. This allows them to uphold the rule of law and protect individual rights without interference.
Yes, judges can be removed from office through various processes, such as impeachment, recall elections, or disciplinary proceedings. Grounds for removal typically include misconduct, incompetence, or ethical violations.
While the terms are often used interchangeably, a judge typically presides over trial courts or lower-level courts, whereas a justice often refers to a judge who sits on an appellate court, such as a state supreme court or the U.S. Supreme Court.
Judicial discretion refers to the authority of judges to make decisions based on their judgment and interpretation of the law, rather than being strictly bound by rules or precedents.
Appellate judges review decisions made by lower courts to determine if legal errors were made. They do not retry cases or reconsider evidence but instead focus on questions of law and legal interpretation.
Judges are held accountable through various mechanisms, including judicial review by higher courts, performance evaluations, disciplinary proceedings by judicial conduct commissions, and in some cases, elections or retention votes.
Judicial precedent, or stare decisis, is the principle that courts should adhere to decisions made in previous cases with similar facts and legal issues. Precedent helps ensure consistency, predictability, and fairness in the legal system.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March, 2024.
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