What types of judges are part of the judiciary?

There are many types of judges in the legal system. Some jurisdictions may have special names, designations, qualifications, etc., for judges presiding over a specific court.

Each of these is discussed below.

Who are the Judges in the Federal System?

• Federal District Court Judges - Judges for the federal trial court.
• Federal Magistrate Judges - Special federal court judges who hear certain pre-trial and post-trial matters.
• Federal Circuit Court Judges - Appellate judges on the appellate courts for all of the district courts within its geographic jurisdiction (judicial circuit).
• US Supreme Court Justices - Justices (judges) who sit on the highest appellate court in the US legal system.
• Judges for Special Article I Courts:
  • Federal Administrative Judges - Judges that preside over the various legislative (administrative) courts established by Congress, such as the Tax Court.
• • Specialty Court Judges - Judges that preside over the various special courts designed by Congress under Congress, such as bankruptcy courts and courts-martial.

Who are Judges in the State Judicial System?

• Municipal Court Judges - Judges presiding over municipal hearings to enforce city or municipal ordinances.
• State Magistrate Judges - Specialty court judges who preside over county or small claims courts. They also serve the function of granting warrants, holding probable cause hearings, and presiding over initial appearances.
• Intermediate State Court Trial Judges - Judges who preside over special trial courts of limited jurisdiction.
• Superior Court Judges - Judges who preside over trial courts of general jurisdiction.
• State Appellate Court Judges - Appellate judges who hear appeals from trial courts within its geographic jurisdiction.
• State Supreme Court Justices - Appellate judges (Justices) sitting in the highest appellate court in the state.
• State Administrative Judges - Judges presiding over the administrative agencies created by the state legislature.
• Specialty Court Judges - Judges presiding over special courts designated by the state constitution or legislature. Special court judges may include: family court judges, probate court judges, and masters in equity.

Related Topics

• US Courts (Intro)
• What is the Authority for Article III Courts?
• What is the Authority for Article I Courts?
• What is the authority for courts under Article II?
• What is the authority for Article IV Territorial Courts?
• What is the authority for State Courts?
• What are Article III Courts?
• What are Article I Administrative Courts?
• What are Article IV Territorial Courts?
• What are state courts?
• What is Subject-Matter Jurisdiction?
• What is Federal Court Subject-Matter Jurisdiction?
• What is State Court Subject-Matter Jurisdiction?
• Can a Federal trial courts hear state matters & vice versa?
• Can a Federal appellate court hear federal matters & vice versa?
• What is Personal Jurisdiction?
• How to establish Federal Court Personal Jurisdiction?
• How to establish State Court Personal Jurisdiction?
• What is a Long-Arm Statute?
• Who are the primary players in the state judicial system?
• What types of judges are part of the judiciary?
• What are the duties of trial judges in the legal system?
• Contempt of Court
• Declaratory Judgment
• Equitable Relief
• Equity - Definition
• What are the duties of Appellate Judges & Justices?
• De Novo Review
• What is the role of jurors in the judicial system?
• What number of jurors and juror votes are required for guilt or liability?
• What do Attorneys do?
• Who are the other players in the judicial system?
• US Circuit Court?
• US Supreme Court?
• Appeals from Legislative and Administrative Courts
• Appeals in the state court system?