Judge

Judge

A judge is a person who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as a part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is supposed to conduct the trial impartially and, typically, in an open court. The judge hears all the witnesses and any other evidence presented by the barristers of the case, assesses the credibility and arguments of the parties, and then issues a ruling on the matter at hand based on his or her interpretation of the law and his or her own personal judgment.

Roles and responsibilities

In law, a judge is considered a trier of fact, the judge of the law, and the leader of the court. In some jurisdictions, the judge's powers may be shared with a jury. In inquisitorial systems of criminal investigation, a judge might also be an examining magistrate.

Appointment and tenure

The method of appointing judges varies greatly between different legal systems. In some jurisdictions, the judge is elected; in others, the judge is appointed. Regardless of how they are chosen, most judges serve for a specific term and can be removed only through a formal procedure.

Types of judges

There are many different types of judges, including Supreme Court judges, Court of Appeals judges, District Court judges, Magistrate Judges, Bankruptcy Judges, and Administrative Law Judges, among others. Each type of judge has a different role and set of responsibilities within the judicial system.

See also

• Law
• Court
• Jury
• Magistrate
• Justice
• Legal profession

References

Judge Resources
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