Most of us wonder how to become a judge. Or what is the selection criteria to be eligible as a judge? Becoming a judge requires more than just a bachelor’s degree. There are a few steps you need to take to become a judge.
Judges oversee and enforce the legal process in the courtroom. Judges and magistrates oversee cases that concern all aspects of our society, from traffic violations to matters related to the rights of large corporations, to disagreements over the organization of professional sports. Judicial workers must ensure that hearings and trials are conducted fairly and that the court protects the legitimate rights of the different parties involved.
Work experience and a bachelor’s degree are enough to meet the minimum requirements for magistrates and judges, but most people have law degrees and some are selected. The essential elements of training for mediators, arbitrators and conciliators vary.
Training and education
To become a judge, you will first have to practice as a lawyer. State and federal judges generally must attend law school and pass the required exam. 40 states allow non-lawyers to serve as restricted-jurisdiction judges, but people with legal backgrounds have better opportunities. The federal administrative law judge must have experience as a lawyer and pass the competitive exam conducted by the US Office of Personnel Management.
All states have a similar or different type of orientation for newly elected judges. The American Bar Association, the Federal Judicial Center, the National Center for State Courts, and the National Judicial College offer judicial training and education for judges. General education courses last between 1 and 3 weeks. More than 50% of the entire state, including Puerto Rico, require their judges to undergo a continuing education program when serving on the court.
Mediators, arbitrators, and conciliators do not have to meet any licensing and credentialing requirements. Some states only require their arbitrators to be attorneys. There are some states that want judges to certify or register.
Judges must be elected or appointed. Such a choice requires political support. Federal administrative judges are appointed by different federal agencies for life. Magistrate judges are elected by district judges and serve on the district court for eight years.
Here are some quick facts to consider as you consider a career as a judge: There were more than 51,000 jobs for judges and other court workers in 2006. Judges, magistrate judges, and magistrates held more than 27,000 jobs in local government and state. Jobs for judges and magistrates are expected to increase in the next 10 years. Not forgetting the status and reputation judges enjoy along with great salary and compensation. So a career as a judge can be an exciting and fantastic career.
