What Do Judge or Magistrate Do?
Judge or Magistrate 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
- Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
- Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.
- Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
- Write decisions on cases.
- Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
- Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.
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What Every Judge or Magistrate Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Judges, and Magistrates say are important on the job.
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.
Types of Judge or Magistrate Jobs
- Trial Justice
- Trial Court Justice
- Town Justice
- Circuit Court Judge
- Magistrate Judge
Job Outlook for Judges, and Magistrates
There were about 28,400 jobs for Judge or Magistrate in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 1,400 yearly job openings in this field.
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.
How Much Does a Judge or Magistrate Make?
The typical yearly salary for Judges, and Magistrates is somewhere between $34,790 and $193,330.
Judges, and Magistrates who work in California, Connecticut, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Judges, and Magistrates make in each U.S. state?
| 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 |
What Tools do Judges, and Magistrates Use?
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
How to Become a Judge or Magistrate
Are there Judges, and Magistrates education requirements?
What work experience do I need to become a Judge or Magistrate?
Where Judges, and Magistrates Work
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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