Judges

A judge is an official who presides over court proceedings, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. In some jurisdictions, the judge's powers may be shared with a jury. The term judge also refers to those who preside over certain types of adjudication outside of courts, such as regulatory agencies. The process of appointing or electing someone as a judge is known as a judgeship.

The Hebrew translation for judge is שופט (shofet). In French, the term is juge, in Spanish juez, and in German Richter.

Judges constitute a fundamental part of the judicial branch of government, which is often tasked with resolving legal disputes, interpreting laws, and ensuring justice. In many jurisdictions, judges are required to be members of the legal profession, often having previously served as advocates or barristers. The role of a judge varies significantly depending on the jurisdiction and the specific court or tribunal in which they serve. For instance, in common law jurisdictions, judges often play an active role in questioning witnesses and arguing points of law, while in civil law systems, judges tend to adopt a more inquisitorial role, directing the proceedings and questioning parties and witnesses themselves.