do you have to be an attorney first to become a judge?

Question

how is one appointed as a judge. do you just need a law degree or do you need to be a lawyer first,

Answer 1

I would like to offer you the following web page that describes the general requirements and career path to becoming a judge:
http://www.ehow.com/how_12356_become-judge.html

You may find some small variation in 'how' they get appointed or get on the bench, depending on the geographical area in the country - large metropolitan or remote low population - but a law degree and experience as an attorney are necessary. A judge practices law on the bench, so it follows that he must be a member of the bar.

Answer 2

You don't need to have been a lawyer. You don't even need a law degree. You just have to be nominated and elected into the office.
Some judges are appointed. There have even been Supreme Court Justices that have had no legal background whatsoever.
It's now unlikely that individuals will be able to become judges without some sort of legal history. Nevertheless, it's not a requirement.

Answer 3

You do not need to be a lawyer for many judgeships, including justice of the peace in NY (I haven't checked other states) and magistrates in England.

You never need have gone to law school nor be a lawyer to be appointed and confirmed as a justice of the US Supreme Court.

"The Constitution doesn't require that Supreme Court justices be attorneys, but it's always been assumed that only a lawyer should be nominated. No President has ever nominated a non-lawyer." (link below)

One can take the bar exam become licensed as a lawyer in California without going to law school. Some other states recognize degrees from foreign and/or unaccredited law schools for bar eligibility.

Answer 4

To become a judge takes years, you have to start out in law enforcement.

You have to be a DA, LAWYER, PROBATION OFFICER,CRIMINOLOGIST,PHSYCHAITRY,COP, and anything to do with the field of criminal justice. You must know all the ares covered by law. This also largely depends on what type of judge, like the Supreme Court Justice is the highest ranking judge which that office is filled by the President of the US he appoints those types of Judges.

I hope this gives you a idea.

Answer 5

It depends where you are. In the U.S., they say you don't have to be a lawyer to be a judge. But conducting trials, understanding the rules on evidence and drafting decisions requiring legal analysis, which is only taught in law school, would make it very difficult for the non-lawyer to do.

Answer 6

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RE :Do you have to be an attorney first to become a judge?
how is one appointed as a judge. do you just need a law degree or do you need to be a lawyer first,
1 following 7 answers

Answer 7

Flip Wilson wasn't.

Answer 8

d-uh....... of course silly...... you need the degree and you need to practice it before you can earn the right to become a judge.... as long as its not on american idol okay?