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Presiding over a courtroom as a judge requires the ability to analyze facts, a sound knowledge of the law, insight into people, and the ability to make decisions with confidence. If you've ever wondered how to become a judge, this page will give you information about the process.
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Career Planning : How to Become a Judge
According to this video, before becoming a judge you need to earn a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school, and pass the bar exam in your state and practice as an attorney. While most judges are attorneys, not all states require judges to have a law degree - so while the information on this video describes the most common way to become a judge, it is not the only way.
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Introduction
- Judges oversee a courtroom, issue opinions, grant or deny motions, and preside over jury trials. Some judges work outside of courtrooms, applying their expertise to specific areas of law. A judge needs to be experienced in the area of the law they are working in. Some positions are filled by election, while others are appointed. In thinking about how to become a judge you need to understand the background needed, the process to be elected or appointed, and any state or federal orientation requirements.
Step 1: Background Required
- In order to be a good judge, you need to have a commanding knowledge of the law. Most judges have law degrees and significant experience practicing law, although 40 states allow non-lawyers to be judges in some capacity as well. A law degree is required for all federal judges.
Step 2: Elected or Appointed?
- The method of acceding to the bench varies by jurisdiction. Some judges are appointed, and some are elected.
- Terms vary from four years to life.
- Federal judges are appointed.http://trialadnotes.blogspot.com/2008/03/comparing-elected-and-appointed-judges.html
- Most state judges are elected.http://trialadnotes.blogspot.com/2008/03/comparing-elected-and-appointed-judges.html
Step 3: Attend Orientation
- Before assuming their judicial duties, newly appointed or elected judges are required to attend a period of training. The exact content and duration of the orientation will vary by jurisdiction, ranging from a few days to three weeks. More than half of the states in the U.S. require that judges attend continuing education classes while they are on the bench as well.
Conclusion
- The first step in becoming a judge is determining which judgeship you are interested in. If the position requires a law degree, you'll need to first attend law school. Regardless, you'll want to make sure you thoroughly understand the area of the law you'll be working in before seeking appointment or election to the bench, and be prepared to seek continuing education during your tenure.
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