National
| Median wages (2008) |
$52.99 hourly, $110,220 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
27,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
7,000 additional employees |
23-1023.00 - Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May issue marriage licenses and perform wedding ceremonies.
Sample of reported job titles:
Judge, District Court Judge, Circuit Court Judge, Magistrate, Superior Court Judge, County Judge, Court of Appeals Judge, Municipal Court Magistrate, Presiding Judge, Circuit Court Magistrate
Tasks
- Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
- Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
- Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
- Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
- Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
- Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.
- Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
- Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
- Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.
- Conduct preliminary hearings to decide issues such as whether there is reasonable and probable cause to hold defendants in felony cases.
