What Do Judges and Magistrates Do (including Their Typical Day At Work)

Job Description

Judges and Magistrates 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. They also rule on custody and access disputes, and enforce court orders regarding custody and support of children.

Other tasks include:

• Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
• Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
• Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.
• Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
• Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
• Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.

We asked Judges and Magistrates how satisfied they are with their job. Here is what they said.

72% of them said they were satisfied with their job and 47% said they find that their job makes the world a better place or helps to make someone else’s life better.

Typical Day At Work

On a daily basis, Judges and Magistrates supervise other judges, court officers, and the court’s administrative staff. They read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.

A typical day for a Judge, Magistrate Judge and Magistrate will also include:

• Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
• Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
• Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.
• 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.

We asked some Judges and Magistrates a few questions to find out what else does their work day look like. Here is what we found.

Other responsibilities

Besides their typical day, Judges and Magistrates also instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts. They may also rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.

On a weekly to monthly basis, Judges and Magistrates Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court. They might also Write decisions on cases.

In addition, they Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.

Although specific duties may vary, many of them Impose restrictions upon parties in civil cases until trials can be held.

To some Judges and Magistrates, it is also their responsibility to Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.

Working life

More than 40 hours per week

Regular schedule like a 9 to 5

In a typical work week as a Judge, Magistrate Judge and Magistrate, you can expect to work more than 40 hours per week.

Is this right for me

People who are suitable for this job tends to like starting up and carrying out projects. They like leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business..

They also like working with, communicating with, and teaching people. They like helping or providing service to others.

You can read more about these career personality types here.

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