Legal Definitions - judge

judge

An appointed or elected official who decides legal disputes in court.

• A judge presides over a criminal trial and decides whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.
• A judge hears a civil case between two parties and decides who is responsible for damages.

These examples illustrate how a judge is responsible for making legal decisions in court. They are appointed or elected to their position and have the authority to interpret and apply the law to resolve disputes between parties. Their decisions are based on evidence presented in court and legal precedent.