Different Types of Judges and their Roles

Different Types of Judges and their Roles

Justices of the Supreme Court

  • Role - The highest judges in the land, deciding on points of law of public importance and providing clarity on complicated laws. They spend much time on deliberation and do not give immediate decisions.
  • Selection - Appointed on their exceptional legal knowledge, their promise to uphold the rule of law, and their ability to protect the rights and liberties of individuals.

Lord Justices of Appeal

  • Role - They sit in the Court of Appeal in either the Civil or Criminal Division. Their task is to settle legal principles and they often hear appeals on points of law.
  • Selection - These judges are appointed for their deep understanding of the law and their ability to apply it fairly and justly.

High Court Judges

  • Role - They deal with the most serious civil and criminal cases, and can sit in any division of the High Court: the Queen’s Bench Division, the Chancery Division, or the Family Division.
  • Selection - These judges are chosen based on their extensive legal knowledge, their ability to apply the law, and their promise in upholding justice.

Circuit Judges

  • Role - They sit in the Crown Court dealing with serious criminal offences or in County Courts dealing with civil matters and family work. They can also sit in the Family Court.
  • Selection - These judges are selected for their comprehensive understanding of the law, their skill in presiding over trials, and their commitment to impartiality.

District Judges

  • Role - They deal with the majority of cases in the County Court, including all civil and family cases such as minor criminal matters or divorce proceedings. They often make decisions quickly.
  • Selection - Looked for are people with robust legal know-how, ability to manage cases efficiently and a dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Magistrates

  • Role - Lay magistrates, or justices of the peace, deal with minor criminal matters in the Magistrates’ Courts. They are not qualified lawyers.
  • Selection - Chosen not for legal knowledge, but for their ability to represent their community, their commitment to public service, and their capacity to make balanced, fair decisions.