What do Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates do?

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.

  • Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
  • Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
  • Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
  • Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.
  • Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
  • Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
  • Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.
  • Write decisions on cases.
  • Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
  • Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.
  • Settle disputes between opposing attorneys.
  • Impose restrictions upon parties in civil cases until trials can be held.
  • Provide information regarding the judicial system or other legal issues through the media and public speeches.
  • Rule on custody and access disputes, and enforce court orders regarding custody and support of children.
  • Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
  • Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.
  • Participate in judicial tribunals to help resolve disputes.
  • Conduct preliminary hearings to decide issues such as whether there is reasonable and probable cause to hold defendants in felony cases.
  • Supervise other judges, court officers, and the court's administrative staff.
  • Perform wedding ceremonies.

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Necessary Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Speaking
  • Writing
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Judgment and Decision Making
  • Active Learning
  • Complex Problem Solving

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