Judge of Law

A judge presides over legal cases, making sure proceedings are fair and that the law is applied correctly. In a courtroom you listen to arguments, decide what evidence can be used, rule on motions, and, depending on the court, either instruct a jury or decide the facts yourself. Outside the courtroom you spend a great deal of time reading briefs, researching law, and writing opinions or orders that explain your reasoning. Judges handle civil disputes, criminal cases, family matters, or specialized areas, depending on the court they serve.