Judges

Judges

Lenara Snell

CJS 220

December 7, 2009

Ronald Bayne

The largest visible responsibility of judges is presiding over trials or hearings and listening to the attorneys that are representing their clients. Judges base their rulings on the admissibility of proof and the methods of conducting testimony. Judges are called upon to help, or if not, resolve disputes between conflicting attorneys. They may also make certain that regulations and procedures are followed, and if unexpected situations take place for which ordinary procedures have not been established, judges take to mean the law to decide how the trial will continue.

Judges frequently maintain pretrial hearings for cases. They pay attention to allegations and decide whether the evidence being presented qualifies to hold a trial. In criminal cases, judges may come to a decision that people charged with crimes should be held in jail awaiting trial. On other occasions, they will set conditions for a criminal’s release. In civil cases, judges rarely enforce limitations on the parties involved in anticipation of a trial being held.

Judges coach juries on appropriate laws, instruct them to figure out the facts from the evidence on hand, and take heed of their verdict. When the law does not call for a jury trial or waive their right to a jury, judges come to a decision about cases. For example, the judge determines guilt in criminal cases and decides what sentences would be justifiable for the guilty; in civil cases, the judge awards assistance, such as reimbursement for damages to the plaintiff involved in lawsuit.

Judges not only work inside the courtroom but outside the courtroom as well. This place is called their chambers or private offices. The chambers are a judge's room for hearing cases not taken in open court. The Department of Labor best describes the judge’s duties while in the chambers as, “Judges read documents on pleadings and motions, research legal issues, write opinions, and...