2007-05-01 09:04:51 · 10 answers · asked by Laela (Layla) 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Well, it depends upon what kind/type of judge you have in mind.
Most courts expect judges to have successfully completed law school and passed the bar in the state they want to practice.
In most cases, judges are elected. For example- a judge in criminal court should have a lot of criminal law in his/her background. Many were prosecuting attorneys before becoming judges. Judges in other courts like Family Law, Divorce, etc. should have backgrounds and experience in those fields.
For those judges "higher" up- like Appeals Courts - those positions are often appointed. Again, having backgrounds in these fields are good. Also, these judges have published opinions which can help them secure these positions.
For the U.S. Supreme Court- the President appoints these judges who must go through a rigorous nomination process. The Senate Judicial Committee screens these candidates- often looking at previous decisions and their publication records.
I hope this helps.
2007-05-01 09:17:13 · answer #1 · answered by Malika 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on what state you live in. In some cases you don't need to be a lawyer. As an example, here in New Mexico a Magistrate Judge and Municipal court judge can be a judge as long as they are 18 years old and a registered voter in the town where they serve, and attend classes on being a judge.
All they have to do is be able to win the election. I still can't get over that, but that's how it works here. The only judges that are required to be lawyers first are District Court judges.
2007-05-01 17:18:43 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question. Depends on the kind of judge. For example, technically to be appointed a Supreme Court Justice one need not attend law school or practice law. However, for the rest of the judges in most jurisdictions, yes, you must be a lawyer first. Some states require the lawyer practice for a certain amount of time (ten years in my state) before being considered for the position.
2007-05-01 16:08:43 · answer #3 · answered by Tara P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that in most places, you don't have to have a law degree to be a judge even though these days, most are.
There have even been several supreme court justices who weren't lawyers.
2007-05-01 16:19:50 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Judges are either appointed or elected. Either way a law degree is not necessary.
2007-05-01 16:12:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, in Canada...you have to be a practising lawyer for about 7 years before you can apply for the bench.
2007-05-01 16:13:01 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sure I guess if this is a public servant role, I beleive that it's a requirement.....But I have to act as judge (with a little j) everyday w/ my kids......Maybe they'll be more receptive if I have a gavell.....ALL RIGHT EVERYBODY, ORDER IN THE COURT!!!!!!!.............YOU ARE OUT OF ORDER!!!! (pound) (pound)........
2007-05-01 20:34:08 · answer #7 · answered by prouddaddy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Usually. Unless you are a political appointee.
2007-05-01 16:08:41 · answer #8 · answered by Louis G 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That is what I've heard!
2007-05-01 16:07:32 · answer #9 · answered by ME!! 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes is how it works...
2007-05-01 16:08:38 · answer #10 · answered by nena_en_austin 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋