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Types of Judges & Steps to Become A Judge

It may sound typical, but it depends. To become a Federal Judge, which is a judge that presides over any federal case, including the Supreme Court, one must be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The benefit to this is that federal judges have life tenure, which means they can never be fired, nor can their pay be lowered (they can be impeached by the Senate, however, but this is extremely rare). Federal judges were averaging over $200,000 a year. You must have some type of political connections, and probably be a judge for a while, before being nominated for a federal judge position.

Then there are state judges. Every state decides how judges are appointed. In some states, judges are appointed by a committee under the approval of the Governor, while others are elected directly by the people. Similarly, judges in top state courts such as State Supreme Courts and State Appeals Courts are most likely not elected every term, but the method of their status varies based upon the respective State's Constitution.

Circuit judges, or the judges most people encounter, preside over everything from murder trials to traffic tickets. Again, their method of appointment varies depending upon the State Constitution. Most states opt for Circuit judges to be elected, and then be re-elected every term - this helps ensure judges make good and fair decisions.

So how do you become a judge? Basically, you must first be an attorney, you must have a good reputation and must get either elected or appointed depending on your state. Some judges actively campaign like congressmen, and you will routinely see judges' names on ballots at the election booths (at least I do in my state). If you want to know how judges are appointed/elected in your state, contact your State Attorney-General's Office and I am sure they can help you more.

Become a Judge Judge Career Overview A judge presides over hearings and trials in a court and is supposed to uphold the rights of all individuals involved in the legal process. Anyone who wants to become a judge should know the law, be able to supervise legal procedures in court and know how to apply the law as it pertains to each case. There are five important steps that lead to a career as a judge.

Steps to becoming a Judge Step 1 - Education: Generally, the minimum requirements needed to become a judge include obtaining a bachelor's degree and having field experience. Certain skills are required for success in this occupation, including analyzing, logical thinking, speaking and researching, skills which can be acquired through courses such as public speaking, government, English, philosophy, history and a variety of others. Step 2 - Become a Lawyer: A majority of both federal and state judges are required to have received a degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.). In addition, anyone seeking to become a judge must pass the bar exam given by your state and acquire experience working in the legal system. Step 3 - Apply: All aspiring to become judges should find a court to work in, although procedures are different depending on type and location of court. When an opening in the chosen court is available, apply for a judgeship. Step 4 - Gain political support: An important part of this process is gaining political support. Individuals interested in becoming judges should be aware that this occupation is very competitive, and potential judges must be able to make a favorable impression on those who hold the power to place them in their desired positions. Step 5 - Get appointed or elected: Members of the judicial nominating commission are in charge of appointing state judges. In order to become a judge of a different sort, however, partisan or nonpartisan elections are held by the state.

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Types of Judges & Steps to Become A Judge It may sound typical, but it depends. To become a Federal Judge, which is a judge that presides over any federal case, including the Supreme Court, one must be nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The benefit to this is that federal judges have life tenure, which means they can never be fired, nor can their pay be lowered (they can be impeached by the Senate, however, but this is extremely rare). Federal judges were averaging over $200,000 a year. You must have some type of political connections, and probably be a judge for a while, before being nominated for a federal judge position. Then there are state judges. Every state decides how judges are appointed. In some states, judges are appointed by a committee under the approval of the Governor, while others are elected directly by the people. Similarly, judges in top state courts such as State Supreme Courts and State Appeals Courts are most likely not elected every term, but the method of their status varies based upon the respective State's Constitution. Circuit judges, or the judges most people encounter, preside over everything from murder trials to traffic tickets. Again, their method of appointment varies depending upon the State Constitution. Most states opt for Circuit judges to be elected, and then be re-elected every term - this helps ensure judges make good and fair decisions. So how do you become a judge? Basically, you must first be an attorney, you must have a good reputation and must get either elected or appointed depending on your state. Some judges actively campaign like congressmen, and you will routinely see judges' names on ballots at the election booths (at least I do in my state). If you want to know how judges are appointed/elected in your state, contact your State Attorney-General's Office and I am sure they can help you more. Become a Judge Judge Career Overview A judge presides over hearings and trials in a court and is supposed to uphold the rights of all individuals involved in the legal process. Anyone who wants to become a judge should know the law, be able to supervise legal procedures in court and know how to apply the law as it pertains to each case. There are five important steps that lead to a career as a judge. Steps to becoming a Judge Step 1 - Education: Generally, the minimum requirements needed to become a judge include obtaining a bachelor's degree and having field experience. Certain skills are required for success in this occupation, including analyzing, logical thinking, speaking and researching, skills which can be acquired through courses such as public speaking, government, English, philosophy, history and a variety of others. Step 2 - Become a Lawyer: A majority of both federal and state judges are required to have received a degree of Juris Doctor (J.D.). In addition, anyone seeking to become a judge must pass the bar exam given by your state and acquire experience working in the legal system. Step 3 - Apply: All aspiring to become judges should find a court to work in, although procedures are different depending on type and location of court. When an opening in the chosen court is available, apply for a judgeship. Step 4 - Gain political support: An important part of this process is gaining political support. Individuals interested in becoming judges should be aware that this occupation is very competitive, and potential judges must be able to make a favorable impression on those who hold the power to place them in their desired positions. Step 5 - Get appointed or elected: Members of the judicial nominating commission are in charge of appointing state judges. In order to become a judge of a different sort, however, partisan or nonpartisan elections are held by the state.

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