2007-06-16 03:45:15 · 7 answers · asked by arigont 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Don't listen to the answers you've received so far. The answer is: it depends. There are several types and levels of judges. There are administrative judges that rule on things like workers' compensation, unemployment benefits, discrimination, etc. There are trial judges and there are appellate judges.
Often times administrative judges do not have to have a law degree. Sometimes they can just be well experienced in the field and familiar with the laws with which they will be using.
State trial/appellate judges and federal trial/appellate judges often differ. Some states elect their judges. Some states have their judges appointed by the governor, an appointment board, etc. Federal District Court and Circuit Court judges are *always* appointed by the president and confimed by the Senate.
To become a judge: although you do not have to go to law school to become some types of judges, it will make life and the application process much easier if you do and will open a wider range of judgeships for you. Go and do well. Then there are two lines of thought: find an area of law to excel in, or become experienced in several different areas. I, personally, think it is more impressive to be well respected in your field rather than little known in several fields. Third, make important contacts. Befriend politicians. Help out on campaigns. Make contributions. This will help you a) get elected or b) get appointed. Both processes are political.
Hope this answers your question.
2007-06-18 04:32:45 · answer #1 · answered by tara k 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
To become a judge you must first go to law school, pass the bar, get experienced in a particular field( most judges work in a particular field), and be working as an attorney for at LEAST 5 years. Majority of judges are elected although some may be appointed. Good luck!
2007-06-16 12:42:23 · answer #2 · answered by Jay Dee 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
In most areas, get elected to the position. Some judges are appointed by city or county councils, but most areas do elections.
2007-06-16 10:51:32 · answer #3 · answered by pakmaranger 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You do NOT have to attend law school OR be a practicing attorney. In fact, you don't have to do anything. Judges are elected (for the most part).
2007-06-16 11:17:46 · answer #4 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
To be a judge you only need to be appointed or elected. There is no requirement that you be a lawyer.
2007-06-16 10:52:50 · answer #5 · answered by old-bald-one 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Pass the bar. Be a lawyer, get experience. Get appointed or elected.
2007-06-16 10:49:18 · answer #6 · answered by pepper 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Apparently not much based on the idiotic renderings of some of them recently. Not the answer your looking for I'm sure, just my opinion of the low low quality we have on the bench these days.
2007-06-16 10:52:19 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋