I mean what qualifications do you need? How do you become one? Is it hereditory or do you have to spend x amount of years as a barrister and then kiss the right boots in the House of Commons (or Lords).
They arent elected by the public, we know that. But where do they come from that some of them are so out of touch with modern society that one recently asked 'What is the internet'?
2007-08-30 00:34:31 · 17 answers · asked by Big kid 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Sydney Viscious. My question makes perfect sense. I know this because lots of people have answered my question with informative answers. If you cant make sense of a question or dont know the answer I suggest you dont bother answering
2007-08-30 01:39:23 · update #1
Your question is a UK one.
Judges in the High court and County Court are solicitors and barristers of at least 10 years experience, but more often at least 15 or more. Despite barristers only being a tenth of the size of the number of solicitors (in terms of numbers in the profession), they make up 95% of judicial appointments.
Judges apply in the same way as you apply for any job. You have to fill in a balls-achingly long application form and go for lots of interviews.
Most full-time judges have already been sitting as part-time judges (Recorders) for many years or have been the chair of a Tribunal or similar quasi-judicial post. Most High Court Judges have already been appointed as a QC many years before they sit as a Judge.
The appointment is made by a panel appointed by the Justice minister (currently Jack Straw) and the DCA. It used to be done by the Lord Chancellor.
Although the background of Judges is slowly changing, as with any of the (genuine) professions you care to think of, the most senior and successful practitioners are those who went to good public schools and the top universities. In this, lawyers and no different to consultants or architects.
And as the most able practitioners are appointed as Judges, there is an imbalance of background.
It may be the stuff of comic legend that judges are out of touch and crusty old men, but I've appeared in front of literally hundreds of judges and they are as widely read and worldly as anyone else, they are generally as sharp as a razor and have normal family lives like everybody else.
The caricature is, of course, a lot more fun: -and perpetuated by those who have never met, let alone been in front of, a judge..
2007-08-30 00:58:01 · answer #1 · answered by JZD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A judge is a lawyer who was friends with a politician. That was the case here in Ireland until a scandal over the refusal by the Attorney General to extradite a paedophile to the North before his appointment as President of the High Court lead to the collaspe of the government, his resignation as a judge and the set up of an independent Judicial Appointments Board (whose members are selected by the government)
2007-08-30 10:30:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are different types of judges. Those that sit in the Magistrates Court are volunteers - members of the public who sit part time and are not salaried. There are also stipendary magistrates who are full time judges.
District Judges who sit in County Courts are generally solicitors.
Most other judges are former barristers.
I think that generally judges today are more in touch with modern society. However, they is still under representation including females.
2007-08-30 10:22:32 · answer #3 · answered by Shelby P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
JP's or Magistrates are usually not qualified in law but are prominent members of local society. The Masons have a lot to do with it, its a bit of kudos for someone who needs a bit of power in their lives.
High Court Judges are qualified QC's who are selected by the High Court after a certain amount of time. Have you never seen Judge John Deed!?!
2007-08-30 00:43:17 · answer #4 · answered by sunshine 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Judges are appointed from a list of lawyers that are chosen by a council. The prospective judges must be of proven credibility with at least 10 years of practice in law.
2007-08-30 00:42:20 · answer #5 · answered by FRAGINAL, JTM 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most judges were once lawyers, so they know about the law. Some are elected, others appointed. They are all human, so they can be as good or as bad as anyone else.
2007-08-30 00:56:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most are Barristers, so I expect Cherie Blair will be appointed as one next and then God help you.
2007-08-30 07:10:00 · answer #7 · answered by flint 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First requirement of a judge is to ask questions which make sense.
You have no chance my old chin
O.K Big Kid i will get my coat-your point is taken
2007-08-30 01:13:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Judges are usually previous police officers. Officers who might have a degree in Criminal Justice or something along those lines.
2007-08-30 00:42:06 · answer #9 · answered by - Andrew - 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Near Joshua, in the Old Testament.
2007-08-30 00:42:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋