Judge
Quick Facts
Median Salary$118,966
Most Common EducationPh.D. or professional degree
Projected 10-Year Growth+11.76%
Assessment MatchTake the Assessment
What They Do
A Judge oversees the legal process in court cases. Interprets law, advises jurors during trials, writes opinions and decisions, and gives verdicts in cases decided without a jury. May decide on a sentence for the defendant in a criminal case, or liability of a defendant in a civil case; may facilitate negotiations between parties in a dispute. Works in a county, state or federal court system.
Core Tasks:
- 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.
- 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.
- Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
- Write decisions on cases.
- Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
- Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.
- 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.
What to expect as a Judge
1Earn a Ph.D. or professional degree
20% of people achieve this level of education.
2Gain skills and experience
See Judge related courses on Tallo
3Land a job
832 openings for Judges
Career Progression
in United States (Nation)
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