Judges spend time in a courtroom hearing arguments from lawyers.
Judges are in charge of trials and are charged with the task of making sure they are fair. They enforce the law by determining what can or cannot be allowed in court. Judges are experts in the law field as they have worked extensively in the field before becoming judges. Judgeships consist of a hierarchy, with more powerful and prestigious positions requiring more serious cases to be overseen.
Education
The path to becoming a judge begins with attending law school. Some judges may hold bachelor's degrees; 40 states allow a limited judgeship for those holding Bachelors degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of judges hold a law degree, especially those in state and federal positions, as those positions require it. Federal judges must pass an exam administered by U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Experience
After graduating from law school, prospective judges must gain experience by practicing law as attorneys. While there is no minimum requirement of experience to become a judge, prospective judges should plan on practicing law for at least five years or until they feel that you have enough knowledge of the field and enough contacts in the field. Pursuing a judicial position requires not only knowledge of law but also political support.
Election
In addition to the educational requirements, judges are elected officials. This aspect of becoming a judge takes political support and fundraising. For that reason, those pursuing this career should have excellent communication and social skills. Once judges are elected, the political nature of the job does not end as judges then need to plan ahead to be re-elected. Judicial positions have a hierarchy, and the higher up on the hierarchy the judgeship is, the longer the position is held, with some federal positions having lifelong tenure.
Advancement
At the bottom of the hierarchy are local appellate judges who may hear cases of traffic violations. In the middle of the hierarchy are state court judges. At the top of the hierarchy are the Supreme Court justices, who are appointed by the president. To advance, prospective judges must spend time cultivating political support as all judicial positions require political support, whether through election or assignment by a high-ranking official.
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