All About Judges, and Magistrates
Job Description: 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.
Judge or Magistrate Responsibilities
- Perform wedding ceremonies.
- Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.
- Provide information regarding the judicial system or other legal issues through the media and public speeches.
- Conduct preliminary hearings to decide issues such as whether there is reasonable and probable cause to hold defendants in felony cases.
- Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
- Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.
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Judge or Magistrate Required Skills
These are the skills Judges, and Magistrates say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Related Job Titles
- District Court Justice
- Associate Juvenile Court Judge
- Magistrate Judge
- Criminal Court Judge
- Appellate Court Judge
Job Demand for Judges, and Magistrates
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 28,400 jobs in the United States for Judge or Magistrate. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,600 new jobs for Judge or Magistrate by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,400 positions for Judge or Magistrate per year.
The states with the most job growth for Judge or Magistrate are Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Watch out if you plan on working in Maryland, New Jersey, or Wyoming. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Judges, and Magistrates Salary
The salary for Judges, and Magistrates ranges between about $34,790 and $193,330 a year.
Judges, and Magistrates who work in California, Connecticut, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Judges, and Magistrates make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $59,780 |
| Arizona | $108,080 |
| Arkansas | $122,840 |
| California | $178,700 |
| Colorado | $150,890 |
| Connecticut | $160,410 |
| Delaware | $140,680 |
| Florida | $140,720 |
| Georgia | $108,150 |
| Indiana | $122,510 |
| Iowa | $82,240 |
| Kansas | $87,270 |
| Kentucky | $130,230 |
| Maine | $109,730 |
| Maryland | $145,960 |
| Minnesota | $135,730 |
| Mississippi | $50,640 |
| Missouri | $127,270 |
| Montana | $52,370 |
| Nevada | $156,290 |
| New Jersey | $126,760 |
| New Mexico | $82,460 |
| New York | $158,970 |
| North Dakota | $132,550 |
| Ohio | $90,960 |
| Oklahoma | $77,130 |
| Oregon | $127,800 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,120 |
| South Carolina | $68,080 |
| South Dakota | $85,710 |
| Tennessee | $111,440 |
| Texas | $90,350 |
| Utah | $102,340 |
| Washington | $124,440 |
| West Virginia | $80,990 |
| Wisconsin | $114,820 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Judges, and Magistrates
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Judges, and Magistrates:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Email software
- Word processing software
- Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat
- LexisNexis
- Online databases
- Videoconferencing software
- Instant messaging software
- Thomson Reuters WestLaw
- Courtroom scheduling software
Becoming a Judge or Magistrate
What education is needed to be a Judge or Magistrate?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Judge or Magistrate?
Where Judges, and Magistrates Are Employed
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
References:
Image Credit: Okan Г‡alД±Еџkan via CC0 Public Domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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