Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates

About the Role

Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates preside over court proceedings, ensuring justice is served based on the rule of law.

Other Common Titles

District Judge
Circuit Judge
Administrative Law Judge
Trial Judge
Chief Justice
Magistrate

Typical Tasks

Preside over legal hearings and trials
Make rulings on evidence and legal issues
Interpret and apply laws to specific cases
Deliver judgments and sentences
Ensure courtroom procedures are followed
Manage case schedules and court calendars
Guide jury instructions and deliberations
Draft legal opinions and orders

Notable People

Ruth Bader Ginsburg – Former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, known for her work on gender equality and civil rights.
Thurgood Marshall – First African American Supreme Court Justice, known for his civil rights advocacy and winning the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education.
Sandra Day O'Connor – First woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, known for her pivotal role in many key decisions.

Recommended Resources

The Roberts Court: A Court that Changed History
A detailed examination of the influence of the Roberts Supreme Court.
Courtside: The U.S. Supreme Court in Action
A podcast discussing court cases and the judicial process.
The Federal Judiciary: An Introduction
A comprehensive resource about the federal court system in the United States.