How to become a Judge

A judge is an elected official who is appointed to conduct court proceedings and uphold the law to administer justice in a constitutional manner. They preside over the courtrooms, ensuring that the law is followed and justice is served in each case. Depending upon the scope of their role and the power vested in them, a judge may preside over both civil and criminal proceedings. They are tasked with the responsibility of interpreting the law in an unbiased, reasonable and fair manner. They are conferred with the power to dictate verdicts, determine the sentence in criminal cases, and decide the fine amounts in civil cases.

They administer, control, and interpret the law as it is laid down by the constitution of the country acting, providing justice to the citizens that seek it. A judge is expected to perform their duties with the highest level of integrity to dispense justice. Owing to their extensive knowledge about the country’s laws, they are an authority on various matters concerning the nation. They are in charge of making the final verdict on court cases.

• Preside over court proceedings, trials, and hearings.
• Assess the admissibility of evidence as well as analyze and interpret it in the context of the case.
• Listen to the allegations and arguments presented by the persecution and the defence, hear witness testimonies, review legal briefs.
• Maintain an impartial stance on the cases and use sound judgement to dictate a fair verdict or a sentence.
• Determine the liability of the defendants.
• Rule on the motions presented in the courtroom.
• Conclude the case by determining the extent of the punishments levied in the form of monetary fees and damages.
• Enforcing the code of conduct in the courtroom and inform the defendants of their rights.
• Make decisions regarding the approval or denial of arrests or search warrants.
• Supervise the work of law clerks, court officers, and other court staff.
• Assist in jury selection, provide support to the jury and manage them during trials.
• Meet with attorneys for discussions regarding discovery issues, objections, pretrial motions.

In order to be a judge as a part of India’s judicial system, one must have excellent communication skills in order to encourage the settlement between parties, mediate disputes, and tactfully deal with sensitive issues. They must have excellently developed listening skills in order to effectively understand all details of the case and accurately analyze the information presented in the proceeding. They must be highly detail-oriented and skilled at critical thinking in order to analyze the factual and legal elements of a case. They must possess extensive knowledge about the law and judicial procedures, which is continually updated. They should be equipped with excellent problem solving and organizational skills in order to extract and synthesize vast amounts of relevant data to address the legal situation.

Their decision making and reasoning skills are crucial in order to weigh the facts and apply the laws to make decisions that are unbiased, fair, and just. They should display professional conduct and follow certain customs specific to the court such as brandishing a hammer. In order to qualify for the position of a Judge in any court of India, one must be a citizen of India and below 65 years of age.

The salary of a Judge is as follows :

• Minimum Monthly Salary: For entry-level judges or those presiding over lower courts, the monthly salary may range from INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000, particularly at the beginning of their judicial careers.
• Maximum Monthly Salary: Experienced and highly accomplished judges, especially those serving in higher courts or with significant legal expertise, can earn a maximum monthly salary of INR 2,50,000 to INR 3,50,000 or more.
• Annual Salary: The annual salary of a judge can span from INR 12,00,000 to several lakhs or more, contingent on their years of service, court hierarchy, and the complexity of cases they handle.
• Highest Position and Scope: The most esteemed position for a judge is often achieved when they serve as justices in higher courts such as High Courts or the Supreme Court of India. Distinguished judges with a notable legal career and proven integrity can significantly impact legal precedent and the interpretation of laws. The scope for judges is promising, given their pivotal role in upholding justice, interpreting laws, and safeguarding the rule of law in society. Judges are responsible for ensuring fair and unbiased legal decisions, adjudicating on matters of civil, criminal, constitutional, and administrative law.

After obtaining LL.B and LLM, you need to qualify the AIBE Exam to become a member of a State Bar Council and Practice as a Lawyer.

To become a District Court Judge, you need to pass the Judicial Service Examination.

To become a High Court Judge, appear for Higher Judicial Services Examination.

The primary industry open for a Judge is the legal industry. However, it's important to understand that the legal industry encompasses various sectors and settings where Judges may serve. Some of the industries and areas within the legal sector where Judges can work include:

Judicial System: Judges serve in various courts within the judicial system, including:

• Specialized Courts: Courts that deal with specific areas of law, such as family courts, labour courts, or tax courts.
• Supreme Court: The highest court in the country, responsible for interpreting and applying the constitution and hearing cases of national significance.
• Appellate Courts: Intermediate courts that review decisions made by lower courts.
• District Courts: Trial courts that handle civil and criminal cases at the local level.

1. Government: Judges may work as Administrative Law Judges in government agencies, presiding over hearings and deciding on regulatory matters and disputes.
2. International Tribunals: Judges can serve in international courts and tribunals, addressing international law issues, human rights, and disputes between countries.
3. Arbitration and Mediation: Some Judges may work as arbitrators or mediators, helping parties resolve disputes outside the traditional court system.
4. Academic Institutions: Judges with extensive legal expertise may teach law at universities and law schools, contributing to legal education and research.
5. Legal Research and Policy: Judges may engage in legal research, contribute to legal publications, or work on policy development related to the legal system.
6. Legal Consultancy: Retired Judges or those with specialized expertise may provide legal consulting services to law firms, organizations, or government agencies.
7. Nonprofit Organizations: Judges may be involved in nonprofit organizations working on legal advocacy and social justice issues.