Life As a Judge or Magistrate
Career 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.
A Day in the Life of a Judge or Magistrate
- Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
- Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.
- Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.
- Conduct preliminary hearings to decide issues such as whether there is reasonable and probable cause to hold defendants in felony cases.
- 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.
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Judge or Magistrate Needed Skills
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
- Superior Court Judge
- Criminal Court Judge
- Legal Referee
- Municipal Court Judge
- Police Magistrate
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. 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.
What is the Average Salary of a Judge or Magistrate
Judges, and Magistrates make between $34,790 and $193,330 a year.
Judges, and Magistrates who work in California, Connecticut, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Judges, and Magistrates make 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Judges, and Magistrates
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Judges, and Magistrates may use on a daily basis:
- 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 is needed to be a Judge or Magistrate?
How many years of work experience do I need?
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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