Judges are in charge of trials. They make sure that trials are fair. They resolve differences between lawyers. They read the law to decide what lawyers can and can't do.
Judges often decide whether a case should go to trial. They also tell juries about the law.
To make their decisions, judges research legal issues. Judges also write about their decisions and legal opinions. Sometimes, they ask lawyers or law clerks to help with research.
If a person is convicted of a crime, judges decide if they will go to prison and for how long. In civil cases, which involve money but no crime, judges often decide how much money one person must pay another.
Judges' duties vary. Some judges deal with cases involving serious crimes, like stealing and murder. Other judges decide cases about traffic rules, families, and small amounts of money. Some oversee cases about Social Security benefits, the environment, and many other issues.
Judges need to know the law very well. Good judgment and patience are important.
Judges do most of their work in offices, law libraries, and courtrooms. Most judges wear robes when they are in a courtroom. Judges often work a 40-hour week. But many work more than 50 hours a week.…
