Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrate

Loading state data...

Loading state data...

  Legal Occupations

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrate

Also Called: Circuit Court Judge, Circuit Judge, County Judge, Court of Appeals Judge, District Court Judge, Judge, Justice of the Peace, Magisterial District Judge, Magistrate, Superior Court Judge, Circuit Court Judge, Circuit Judge, County Judge, Court of Appeals Judge, District Court Judge, Judge, Justice of the Peace, Magisterial District Judge, Magistrate, Superior Court Judge

What they do

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.

$45,950
Starting Salary (2023)
$148,910
Median Salary (2023)
2.2%
Projected Job Growth
24,470
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Enterprising
Business based Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Social
Working with people

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Stress Tolerance
Self-Control
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Analytical Thinking

What key skills are needed for this job?

Active Listening
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Judgment and Decision Making
Complex Problem Solving
Writing

Expected Knowledge

Law and Government
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

Common Activities

Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.

More Info

What can I do with this major? Logo

Explore 106 major profiles, common career paths and strategies to maximize opportunities.

Visit Site
My Next Move logo

Search career information in detail by keywords, browse by industry, or via your interests.

Visit Site
Career OneStop Logo

Explore career options, find training and education, plan for your job search and find local help and services.

Visit Site
BLS OOH logo

The Occupational Outlook Handbook - browse occupations and resources and explore occupation groups.

Visit Site
O*NET logo

The nation's primary source of occupational information. Complete data and information breakdowns for all careers.

Visit Site