What does a Jude actually do?

Question

Im slightly confused, the verdict is decided by the Jury, and the arguments is given by the barristors (sorry if this wrong, i 4got the names of the people)

So what does the Judge actually do for that thick pay check?

Answer 1

Judges decide issues of law, for example what evidence is appropriate to present to the jury or whether there is even sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Judges can also order the appearance of reluctant witnesses. And judges instruct the jury on what the applicable legal standards are - juries don't operate in a vacuum. Finally, judges keep order during the trial and make sure both sides get a fair chance to present their case.

And judges don't actually make all that much. A judge who has served on the bench for 10 years will probably make only the same as a first-year lawyer fresh out of law school and going into a big international firm.

Answer 2

The judge has to take notes of everything. That is extremely hard work and every now and then he has to say the equivalent of "whoa!" when people are going too fast. He has to make sure that there is no breach of the law of evidence and procedure (in other words, that nobody tries to sneak in something which is not allowed under the rules. He has to follow the proceedings and will every now and then ask a question of his own. When there is a point of law (that is a technical issue) the judge has to act as a kind of referee, deciding which side is right and what should be done as a result. If there is an application of "no case to answer" at the end of the prosecution case (in other words, that the prosecution haven't made out a good enough case for a conviction on the evidence so far), then the judge has to decide whether this is so and direct the jury to dismiss the case. At the end of the closing speeches the judge has to make his own speech, going through all the evidence so far, highlighting the main points for the jury and explaining exactly what they have to look for in deciding the outcome of the case. Should the jury return a verdict of guilty, then the judge has responsibility for hearing a plea in mitigation from defence counsel and then sentencing the defendant.
That is the task of the criminal judge. Civil judges have an equally heavy burden to bear, but they themselves have to reach a verdict on the evidence.
Quite apart from this, judges have all sorts of tasks to perform out of court, such as considering adoptions, keeping up to date with the latest decisions and legislation and signing papers.
That is just some of what they do for their salary.

Answer 3

The judge ensurers that each party is able to state their case clearly and fairly. That the rules of the Court are obeyed . He summarises the evidence at he end of a hearing to assist the Jury (this actually takes some doing) and passes sentence on a guilty verdict.

I might add that he is paid from the Consolidated Fund to prevent so far as is possible any political interference, Hence the concerns in some recent cases were a politician has sought to pre-empt the findings of the Court

Answer 4

First, let me just mention that cybersharque is wrong: we do have juries in the UK, even in some civil cases (such as libel and actions against the Police). Just remember as well that judges also work in the civil courts, deciding everything from family cases to commercial disputes. Even in a criminal case, the Judge does a lot without the Jury - preliminary hearings to decide admissilbity of evidence... sentencing at the end ... arguments on the law... Lots of stuff.

Answer 5

First of all its ~JUDGE~ and second of all they judges look over the court room and decide even to allow the cases to come forth and then has to let the clerk and everyone know who to send out Summons for the jury to!!!! I plan to go to college and bcome an attorney then retire and be a judge your mad becuase u see no cause in having the judge and their is legal causes stating their needs to be some one with a law degree and some one in charge!!!!!

Answer 6

The judge rules on matters of law -- how the law is interpreted and what laws apply.

The jury determines matters of fact -- what happened.

The determination of fact is actually usually the simplest part of the process. The judge spends dozens (if not hundreds in a large complex case) reviewing legal memoes and making legal decisions before the trial even starts, as well as resolving objections and evidentiary matters and other legal issues throughout the trial.

Answer 7

In the UK, the judge tries the case unless it's a criminal charge. There have not been jury trials in HM Courts for decades by now. Only in the States do we engage in the ridiculous pomposity of trial by jury for a personal injury case.

Answer 8

The judge is the referee, the umpire, the guy that makes sure all the laws and procedures are followed.

It's a bit more involved than that, with his ability to cite someone in contempt, pass judgement, etc, but that's the basics of it.

Answer 9

A Jude works in Law and shouts Hey

Answer 10

Wear a white bonnet