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What Do Judge or Magistrate Do?

Occupation 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.

Life As a Judge or Magistrate: What Do They Do?

  • Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
  • Settle disputes between opposing attorneys.
  • Conduct preliminary hearings to decide issues such as whether there is reasonable and probable cause to hold defendants in felony cases.
  • Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.
  • Participate in judicial tribunals to help resolve disputes.
  • Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.

Judge or Magistrate Needed 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.

Types of Judge or Magistrate Jobs

  • County Court Judge
  • District Court Justice
  • Federal Judge
  • Master in Chancery
  • Trial Court Judge

Are There Job Opportunities for Judges, and Magistrates?

In the United States, there were 28,400 jobs for Judge or Magistrate in 2016. 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.

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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.

What is the Average Salary of a Judge or Magistrate

The average yearly salary of a Judge or Magistrate ranges between $34,790 and $193,330.

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Judges, and Magistrates who work in California, Connecticut, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Judges, and Magistrates 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

What Tools & Technology 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

Becoming a Judge or Magistrate

What kind of Judge or Magistrate requirements are there?

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Judges, and Magistrates Sector

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

Image Credit: Okan Г‡alД±Еџkan via CC0 Public Domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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