Judges

Judges

Judges

In the criminal justice system Judges have many responsibilities in and out of the courtroom. Prior to an arrest Judges may be asked to sign a search and seizure warrant by local, state or federal law enforcement agents. These warrants allow officials to arrest suspects, search property and seize any materials that may be used as evidence in court. After an arrest has been conducted a Judge will gather information presented by the prosecutor and defense attorney. From this point a Judge can decide if bail is necessary, and if so, what dollar amount is adequate. A Judge will then attend a preliminary hearing to determine if sufficient evidence exists in order to move forward with a trial.

During pre trials Judges have the burden of including and excluding evidence and are also faced with accepting or declining plea bargains. During a trial, judges act as referees, listening in to arguments presented by the prosecutor and defense attorney while making sure the legal process is followed correctly. The responsibility of a Judge continues to go far beyond my statements presented. Certain Judges are included with jury selection, appeals process, handle vast amounts of paper work, decide on a fair sentencing, and may continue to be involved with a case long after the case has been closed.

Effective Judges should remain non-bias and impartial in any case. A Judges personal, moral, and religious beliefs should also remain absent throughout an indictment. Fair sentencing and punishments should be given to all individuals regardless of one's ethnicity, gender, age and religion and the sentencing and punishment should fit the crime. In the event a Judge cannot take a case without becoming emotionally involved then good practice would call for a Judge to recues, and allow another Judge to take over. Listening to all parties present during a trial is one of the most effective attributes to have. Ineffective Judges become emotionally involved with cases due to...