Median Annual Wage: $115,140
Education: Doctoral degree (53%); High school diploma or equivalent (23%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (9%)
Projected Growth: Little or no change (-2% to 2%)
Related Job Titles: Judge; District Court Judge; Circuit Court Judge; Magistrate; Superior Court Judge; County Judge; Court of Appeals Judge; Circuit Judge; Justice of the Peace; Associate Justice
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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates.
More Legal Careers
- Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
- Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
- Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.
- Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
- Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
- Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.
- Write decisions on cases.
- Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
- Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.
- Settle disputes between opposing attorneys.
- Impose restrictions upon parties in civil cases until trials can be held.
- Provide information regarding the judicial system or other legal issues through the media and public speeches.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates.