Description
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
- • Instruct juries on applicable laws, direct juries to deduce the facts from the evidence presented, and hear their verdicts.
- • Sentence defendants in criminal cases, on conviction by jury, according to applicable government statutes.
- • Rule on admissibility of evidence and methods of conducting testimony.
- • Preside over hearings and listen to allegations made by plaintiffs to determine whether the evidence supports the charges.
- • Read documents on pleadings and motions to ascertain facts and issues.
- • Interpret and enforce rules of procedure or establish new rules in situations where there are no procedures already established by law.
- • Monitor proceedings to ensure that all applicable rules and procedures are followed.
- • Advise attorneys, juries, litigants, and court personnel regarding conduct, issues, and proceedings.
- • Research legal issues and write opinions on the issues.
- • Conduct preliminary hearings to decide issues, such as whether there is reasonable and probable cause to hold defendants in felony cases.
- • Write decisions on cases.
- • Award compensation for damages to litigants in civil cases in relation to findings by juries or by the court.
- • Settle disputes between opposing attorneys.
- • Supervise other judges, court officers, and the court's administrative staff.
- • Impose restrictions upon parties in civil cases until trials can be held.
- • Rule on custody and access disputes, and enforce court orders regarding custody and support of children.
- • Grant divorces and divide assets between spouses.
- • Participate in judicial tribunals to help resolve disputes.
- • Perform wedding ceremonies.
- • Provide information regarding the judicial system or other legal issues through the media and public speeches.
- • Issue arrest warrants.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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Last reviewed: Jan 2026
