Judges
Judges
Career outlook for
Judges
What's it like?
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
Working conditions
Tasks
- Read background papers about a case
- Oversee the conduct of the case according to the law
- Keep order in the courtroom
- Make sure that cases run smoothly
- Explain legal issues to the jury, if there is one
- Make rulings on legal issues as the two sides present their evidence for and against the accused
- Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
- Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
- Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
- Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
- Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
- Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
- Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
- Write decisions on cases.
- Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
- Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
- Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
- Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.
- Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
- Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.
- Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.
- Issue arrest warrants.
- Settle disputes between opposing attorneys.
- Impose restrictions upon parties in civil cases until trials can be held.
- Supervise other judges, court officers, and the court’s administrative staff.
- Rule on custody and access disputes, and enforce court orders regarding custody and support of children.
- Conduct preliminary hearings to decide issues, such as whether there is reasonable and probable cause to hold defendants in felony cases.
- Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.
- Participate in judicial tribunals to help resolve disputes.
Top Skills
- Mediating.
- Listening.
- Verbal communication.
- Written communication.
- Attention to detail.
- Taking initiative.
- Ethical.
- Reliable.
- Making decisions.
Programs
Bachelor degree in Law, Pre-Law Studies, Military and International Operational Law, Legal Professions and Studies, Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution
Average Salary
23900/ Month