Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

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.

Median Annual Wage: $115,140

Education: Doctoral degree (53%); High school diploma or equivalent (23%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (9%)

Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)

Related Job Titles: Judge; District Court Judge; Circuit Court Judge; Magistrate; Superior Court Judge; County Judge; Court of Appeals Judge; Circuit Judge; Justice of the Peace; Associate Justice

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates.

More Legal Careers

  • Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
  • Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
  • Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.
  • Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
  • Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
  • Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.
  • Write decisions on cases.
  • Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
  • Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.
  • Settle disputes between opposing attorneys.
  • Impose restrictions upon parties in civil cases until trials can be held.
  • Provide information regarding the judicial system or other legal issues through the media and public speeches.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates.

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates.

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