Occupation

Judge

Presides over hearings and trials, rules on procedure and evidence, applies the law to the facts found, and delivers decisions with reasons. The work demands visible impartiality, because the reasoning has to persuade the losing side that it was heard.

Also known as: Judicial officer · Magistrate judge

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Occupation content

Part of Law, compliance and justice

A visual day in the work

What the work involves

  1. Read filed materials and written argument before a hearing begins

  2. Preside over hearings and trials, ruling on procedure and admissibility

  3. Question counsel and self-represented parties to clarify the issues in dispute

  4. Decide the outcome and give reasons that show the law applied

  5. Impose sentences or orders within the limits the law sets

  6. Manage a list of reserved decisions and pending matters

Entry-route stepper

How people commonly enter

  1. Appointment after substantial legal practice, through the jurisdiction's judicial appointments process

  2. Appointment or election to a lower court or tribunal bench, depending on local arrangements

  3. Judicial education and mentoring programs undertaken after appointment

Typical training: Postgraduate or professional degree

Licensing: Regulated in most jurisdictions. Confirm the current requirement with the regulator in your province, state, or country.

Pathways: Common in public service

Work-context map

Typical work context

  • High responsibility
  • Public facing
  • Desk based
  • Quiet focus

High responsibility · Public facing · Desk based · Quiet focus

Related interests

  • Investigative (analytical)
  • Social (helping)
  • Conventional (organizing)

Investigative (analytical) · Social (helping) · Conventional (organizing)

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Law, compliance and justice: licensing

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