A Judge is an elected or appointed professional who presides over the court trial and hearing in order to come up with a decision. It is often believed that a Judge does all the work in the courtroom. However, it is not true. Judges also look after certain responsibilities outside the courtroom. Their duty is to research regulations and laws, issue case decisions and opinions, supervise the work of other court staff and law clerks, meet the lawyers to discuss cases and encourage settlement, establish procedures and court rules. Some Judges also perform marriage ceremonies and issue a marriage license.
In the court, Judges are in charge of making a final verdict. They hold the topmost authority and are expected to analyse the evidence presented and deliver an unbiased verdict by listening to the hearing of the case. A Judge has to stay neutral to give a correct verdict.
An individual wishing to be a Judge must acquire at least an LLB. They are also required to be an Indian National and clear the Judicial Services Examination. The job of a Judge brings lots of respect and responsibilities along with it. A Judge of any court is considered to be honourable, impartial and of high stature.
Some of the major duties or responsibilities that a Judge is responsible for are provided below.
Hear allegations of the defending and prosecuting parties.
To oversee a trial or hearing and serve as an impartial referee.
Instruct the jury.
Determine the guilt or innocence of the defendants.
If found guilty, impose sentences on defendants.
Determine the extent of punishments levied during trials.
Listen to the testimony of the witness.
Inform defendants of their rights.
Rule on the admissibility of evidence.
Rule on motions presented by counsel.
It is extremely important for a Judge to meet the minimum requirements including academic qualifications, age criteria, skills, work experience and other criteria mentioned below.
Academic Qualification Required |
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Other Requirements |
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Skills |
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Work Experience |
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In order to become a Judge, legal knowledge of an aspirant must be sound. Provided below are the apt courses and colleges that can help an aspirant in inculcating the right set of legal skills. You can either dial our toll-free number 1800-572-9877 or fill-up the Common Application Form to talk to our admission experts and take admission or free assistance. You can also click on the links provided below to directly apply for admission.
Course | Total Fee (Approx.) | Top Colleges for Trial Lawyer |
₹ 30,000 to ₹ 3,00,000 per annum | ||
₹ 22,000 to ₹ 2,50,000 per annum | ||
₹ 50,000 to ₹ 5,00,000 per annum |
Check out the various different types of job roles that an individual willing to be a Judge can consider.
District Judge
High Court Judge
Civil Judge
Sessions Judge
Supreme Court Judge
Author
The Indian Constitution follows a Judicial System where job opportunities are provided to Judges across 3-tiers that are Subordinate Judiciary, the State Judiciary and the Union Judiciary. To get enrolled in any of these positions, an individual must fulfil the prescribed eligibility requirements and skills. Generally, after gaining a few years of work experience, an aspirant is promoted from Subordinate to State then to Union Judiciary.
Sessional courts, District courts and High courts of all states and districts require Judges. The Supreme Court also provides a chance to experienced, skilful and professional judges. Few of the top recruiting agencies that offer job opportunities to an aspirant are mentioned underneath.
Uttarakhand Public Service Commission
Delhi High Court
Supreme Court
Sashastra Seema Bal
Haryana District and Sessions Court
Rajasthan High Court
Ministry of Law & Justice
The average salary earned by a Judge is around ₹ 1,325,000 per annum. The figure might change depending on the individual and the job profile. The table below has the salary earned by a Judge.
Job Profile | Entry-Level Salary per annum (in INR) | Mid-Level Salary per annum (in INR) | Senior-Level Salary per annum (in INR) |
Judge | ₹ 7,00,000 | ₹ 10,00,000 | ₹ 30,00,000 |
Explained through the image below is the salary growth of a Judge over the years.
The books and study materials that play a vital role in gaining knowledge and becoming a Judge are enlisted below.
How Judges Think by Richard Posner
The Nature of the Judicial Process by Benjamin N. Cardozo
Men and Books Famous in the Law by Frederick C. Hicks
Law and the Modern Mind by Jerome Frank
The Making of a Justice: Reflections on My First 94 Years by John Paul Stevens
Men and Books Famous in the Law by Frederick C. Hicks
The major advantage of being a Judge is that an individual gains respect and stature in the public eye.
Judges generally have job security and do not have to worry about switching or losing jobs.
A Judge gets a handsome salary and benefits. Their salary is generally more than others in the legal profession.
The job can be very stressful and a Judge has to be precise with the observations and details.
They have to keep the moral compass aside in order to stay unbiased and come up with an apt decision.
There is only limited career growth in this profile. After a few years, no further promotions can be done.
