A public official who presides over court proceedings, interprets the law, and issues rulings and sentences.
What judges do
Judges preside over trials and hearings, rule on motions and evidentiary disputes, instruct juries, sentence convicted defendants, and decide cases in bench trials. Appellate judges review trial-court decisions and write opinions that shape the law.
Path to the bench
Most US judges are lawyers with substantial experience as litigators, prosecutors, or government attorneys. State trial judges are typically elected or appointed by the governor. Federal judges are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, serving for life.
Court levels
Judges sit on trial courts, intermediate appellate courts, and state or federal supreme courts. Specialized judges preside over family, probate, tax, immigration, bankruptcy, and administrative law matters.
Find more professions by letter
Judge starts with J and ends with E. Browse other professions along the same letter.
Professions that contain a letter from "Judge":