Legal systems exist to benefit society. These are the principles that serve as a guideline for ordinary citizens. The courtroom is an essential part of our legal system. They provide a place for any victim or person accused of a crime to seek justice. A judge is responsible for and has the opportunity to preside over courtroom hearings.
If the ethical and philosophical challenge of ensuring justice excites you, becoming a judge could be an excellent choice.
You must complete a rigorous education and training program to become a judge. Judges have honourable and well-respected occupations, are regarded as community leaders, are charged with maintaining the law of the land, and also get pretty good income. However, you must know the position's duties before starting the prolonged professional route to becoming a judge. In this article, you will learn how to become a judge, what to expect from a career as a judge and its benefits.
Who is a judge?
A judge is a legally trained professional appointed by government bodies (or, in the case of a supreme court, by the president) to preside over court proceedings. Upon hearing from both parties in court, the judge makes the final decision. He or she rules on legal issues in court as a referee between the two parties and makes decisions in legal disputes.
Judges are objective and impartial decision-makers in pursuing justice and ruling on legal questions/cases.
Although most judges rule alone, some serve in hearings with a handful of judges who hear simultaneously and deliver a decision based on majority rule. Before becoming a judge, you must undergo different procedures to be qualified to be one.
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What are the roles and responsibilities of a judge?
Judges rule on legal questions/cases and are objective and impartial decision-makers in pursuing justice. They have the authority and responsibility to decide the severity of punishments or sentences imposed during trials. Sometimes, a judge determines guilt or innocence instead of a jury. Some significant roles and responsibilities are:
- To oversee hearings and listen to prosecutors' and defendants' claims, witness testimony, and so on.
- To notify the defendant/plaintiff of their legal rights.
- To instruct the jury during courtroom proceedings.
- To authorize an advocate or a party to argue their case entirely.
- To decide the guilt of criminal defendants and sentence, those found criminally responsible. (In case of a criminal court)
- To assess liability or damage of property in civil cases.
What are the processes for becoming a judge?
A judge has a high level of responsibility, so there are multiple processes to become a judge.
- Appear in law entrance examinations and pass the test.
- A Bachelor's in Law, LLB degree course is the first step toward becoming a judge. Now, this can be a 5-year or 3-year degree program.
- Pursue a Master in Law or LLM after completing their LLB.
- There are three types of judges in India: Supreme Court Judges, High Court Judges, and District Judges. Each of them has its own set of requirements for being appointed as a judge. To become a judge in any of the categories mentioned above, you must go through the Judicial Services Examination. There are two types of Judicial Services Examinations -Lower and Higher. The examination has three steps: preliminary test, main exam, and viva voce.
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Talk to an ExpertQualifications required to become a judge
Becoming a judge can be a prestigious career. However, one must meet different criteria as it is a huge responsibility. The qualifications may vary depending on the type of court. Some basic qualification requirements are:
- Must be a legal citizen of the country with no criminal background
- Judges must have excellent logical reasoning and analytical and decision-making skills to analyze a complex case and statutory law and render sound legal decisions.
- A judge must have excellent listening skills. A judge must adequately listen to both the prosecutor's and the defendant's arguments to reach a rational conclusion.
- Well aware of the legal knowledge. A judge must be thorough regarding criminal and civil procedures and jurisdictional rules.
What is the salary of a judge?
The government governs salaries, perks, and other benefits for Court judges. The salary of a judge can range from Rs.2,25,000/-p.m. for high court judges to Rs.2,50,000/-p.m. for the supreme court judge. Along with the salary, the judges are also provided with allowances under various categories and gratuities.
Training Courses to become a judge.
To become a judge, you must complete your law degree and pass the judicial services examinations. Several universities offer 3- or 5-year law programs for this purpose. After that, you must pass the judicial examination before becoming a judge. Some of the most sought-after training courses to become a judge are:
- Bachelor of Law(LLB)
- Masters in Law(LLM)
- M.Phil in Law
- Judicial Service Examination Preparation courses
Advantages and disadvantages of becoming a judge
Advantages
- Prestige in Society
People in legal professions, especially judges, are one of the most respected professionals around the globe as they are the gatekeepers of our justice system. They are responsible for providing justice to not only the victim but society as a whole.
- Lucrative career
A career as a Judge means you are financially secure. Judges are one of the highest-paid jobs. Furthermore, judges are usually appointed for a long term providing immense job security.
- Opportunity to help people
Being a judge, you have the right to oversee trials and decide courtroom decisions. This gives you ample opportunities to help society by providing justice to those who deserve it.
- Work-life balance
As a judge, you don't have to prepare a case like prosecutors so that you can enjoy your weekends and holidays without any pressure.
Disadvantages
- Extremely Competitive Career
Because judges are appointed for a long time, fewer seats are available at any given time, making it difficult to become one.
- Huge Responsibility
In court, a judge has the authority to render a decision. They also have the power to impose harsher punishments or sentences during trials. As a result, the job can be highly stressful.
- Threats
As a judge, you are sometimes under enormous political pressure to influence a decision in a particular direction. Politicians have also threatened judges in some cases.
Career as a Judge
Any nation's legal system serves as a uniform framework for resolving social problems. For the Young Generation, a job as a judge offers a wide range of opportunities to join this system and serve the country in the best way possible. The judiciary's most crucial position is this one. Judges are responsible for carrying out, analyzing, and executing legal requirements and constitutional clauses. It requires much effort, commitment, and resolve toward the justice system.
Being a judge may be both demanding and rewarding. Government agencies select judges. Judges have a crucial function to play in the legal system. As a judge, you are responsible for rendering judgments in trials, appeals, and other critical proceedings.
Judge spends most of their working hours in a courtroom or office. Some judges may be compelled to travel to various districts and courthouses within their state or locality. Hearing cases involving challenging or hostile witnesses can be distressing, especially in criminal trials.
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FAQ
What is the salary of a judge?
The salary of a judge can range from Rs.2,25,000/-p.m. for high court judges to Rs.2,50,000/-p.m. for the supreme court judge. Along with the salary, the judges are also provided with allowances under various categories and gratuities.
Who appoints the judge of a court?
A judge is a legally trained professional appointed by government bodies (or, in the case of a supreme court, by the president) to preside over court proceedings.
What degree should I get to become a Judge?
To become a judge, you must complete your law degree and pass the judicial services examinations. Several universities offer 3- or 5-year law programs for this purpose. After that, you must give and clear the judicial test before becoming a judge.
Is it hard to be a judge?
The decision to become a judge is difficult and takes time, effort, and years of study. Judgement is administered to the guilty and innocent by judges, who understand that they will need perseverance and diligence to succeed in their vocation.
Is becoming a judge worth it?
Being a judge has several benefits, including respect and prestige in society. Judges typically enjoy job stability and are not concerned with changing or losing employment. A judge is compensated well and receives advantages. In general, they earn more than other legal professionals.
Are judges allowed to socialise?
Close association with specific bar members is avoided, especially with those who practice in the same court. A judge should maintain a level of distance befitting the honour of his position. A judge can only accept gifts and hospitality from his family, friends, and relatives.
