What do they do?

The role of a judge is to conduct a trial impartially and in an open court. The judge hears all the witnesses and any other evidence presented by the litigating parties of the case, assesses the credibility and arguments of the parties, and then issues a ruling on the matter at hand based on his or her interpretation of the law and personal judgment. One should be very objective and prepared to listen to both the parties patiently. 

Though he/she will be called upon to exercise his/her discretionary authority, a judge should always ensure compliance to the basic principles of law while issuing verdicts. To qualify as an able judge a person should be abreast of current social, political and economic issues. The objective is to be able to hear out various parties in an objective manner so that a just and fair judgment is delivered.

Skills Needed

• Phenomenal ability to accumulate information related to anything which is subject to litigation
• Should be an expert in procedural laws — code of civil procedure and code of criminal procedure and the law of evidence
• Great oratory and debating skills

How do I get there?

After doing a BA (LLB) course, one can appear for the judiciary exam conducted by the high courts of a state. A successful candidate works in the lower judiciary as a civil judge or metropolitan magistrate in the district courts. One becomes eligible for appointment as a judge in one of the high courts in India after practicing for ten years as a lawyer in the high court.

Pros & Cons about this career