if you're a paralegal OR have a BA college degree could u become a judge if u never practiced as a lawyer? what steps do you take to become a judge? i'm referring to the United States
2007-02-22 08:14:45 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
That all depends on your state and which type of judge you are asking about. Many states require judges to be a member of the bar (a lawyer) in order to be appointed to the bench or to run for office. Federal judges, which are appointed by the president and confirmed by congress must be lawyers.
Many states (including Utah where I practice) have justice court or justices of the peace which are not required to be judges, but are appointed by the local city council or county commission.
There are also Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) which are commonly not attorneys. These ALJs conduct hearings for state agencies such as labor commissions, real estate boards, tax commissions, etc.
2007-02-22 09:54:33 · answer #1 · answered by Oppenheimer 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. Judges are either elected or appointed, depending on the court. For an elected position, you have to take the same steps as a candidate for any other office. An appointed position can be literally anyone--there are no rules. If for some reason congress confirmed them, five-year-olds could serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
2007-02-22 08:20:27 · answer #2 · answered by Crys H. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It varies from state to state. Here in NC it used to be that anyone could run for Judge. But a few years ago it became a requirement that you had to have passed the bar exam. I'm sure most states are the same way.
2007-02-22 12:20:52 · answer #3 · answered by jonn449 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you can be a Judge in most states since judges are elected officials; however, in the Federal Court, you are appointed by the President and then confirmed by Congress.
2007-02-22 08:18:16 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, judges, unlike lawyers, are voted on. Like governors or senators it helps to have experience but there are basically no requierments to become a judge. Experience in law helps though. You have to register and run much like any public office. Good luck!
2007-02-22 08:24:16 · answer #5 · answered by iamainsworth 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find out how to get hired as a court clerk. If you clerk in the judicial system, you can get an inside scoop. You would work closely with the judges, and could even get to hear a case or two as you work your way through the ranks.
2007-02-22 08:18:15 · answer #6 · answered by Richard H 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good luck getting votes without a law degree.
2007-02-22 08:25:14 · answer #7 · answered by Peter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but it's very particular to location and jurisdiction, as well as whether the office is elected or appointed. You'll have to investigate wherever you are.
2007-02-22 08:20:45 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can't see why not, judges are elected into office, so all you need are votes.
2007-02-22 08:17:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, but you have to have a lot of law knowledge
2007-02-22 08:22:30 · answer #10 · answered by PH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋