Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

What Does a 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.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• 1Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
• 2Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
• 3Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
• 4Write decisions on cases.
• 5Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
• 6Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
• 7Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
• 8Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.

Required Skills

• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Reading Comprehension
• Speaking
• Writing
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Adobe Acrobat
• Courtroom scheduling software
• Email software
• Hyland OnBase Enterprise Content Management
• LexisNexis
• LinkedIn
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates Salary