- Can you judge whether this is really a judge or not?judge image by dinostock from Fotolia.com
Judges play a vital role in the judicial system in the United States. Judges hear cases ranging from neighbor disputes in small claims court all the way up to society changing cases heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, such as Brown vs. Board of Education. Criminal court judges rule on pretrial motions, preside over trials and hand down sentences for those who have been convicted of a crime. Civil court judges decide issues in contested divorces, preside over civil trials and determine penalties when a party has been negligent. Becoming a judge requires perseverance and determination. - Judges must have completed a bachelor's degree as well as three years of law school culminating in the receipt of a juris doctorate (J.D.). Once they have finished law school, they must apply to become licensed in the state where they wish to practice law. The licensing procedure generally requires passing the bar examination and the multi-state professional responsibility examination, as well as completing a character and fitness investigation.
- Judges are not generally required by statute or legislation to have a specific amount of experience to be appointed or elected to office. Most judges, however, have practiced law for a significant period of time prior to running for a judgeship or being appointed to one.
- Judges are either elected or appointed. If they are elected, then they usually run as part of a party. If they are appointed, then they are likely from the same party as the governor or president who appoints them. While no party affiliation can be mandatory to become a judge, party affiliation and involvement in politics undeniably help your chances of becoming a judge.
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