What You Need to Know About Judge or Magistrate
Position 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
- Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.
- Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.
- Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
- 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.
- Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
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Qualities of a Judge or Magistrate
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.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Probate Judge
- Jurist
- Magistrate
- Trial Judge
- Magisterial District Judge
Judge or Magistrate Job Outlook
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. 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.
How Much Does a Judge or Magistrate Make?
The average yearly salary of a Judge or Magistrate ranges between $34,790 and $193,330.
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
How to Become a Judge or Magistrate
What education or degrees do I need to become 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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