Legal Definitions - associate judge

Definition: An appellate judge who is neither a chief judge nor a presiding judge.

Examples: In a court of appeals, there may be several associate judges who hear and decide cases alongside the chief judge and presiding judge.

Explanation: Associate judges are judges who are appointed to a court of appeals but do not hold the highest positions in the court. They work alongside the chief judge and presiding judge to hear and decide cases. For example, in the United States Court of Appeals, there are usually three judges who hear each case, and one of them is the chief judge. The other two judges are associate judges. Their role is to provide additional perspectives and opinions on the case, and to help ensure that the decision is fair and just.