Glossary
Judge
A government official with the authority to preside over court cases, decide questions of law, and (in cases without a jury) decide questions of fact. Judges are either elected or appointed depending on the court.
A judge runs the courtroom. They rule on objections, decide what evidence the jury can hear, and make sure both sides follow the rules. In a case without a jury (called a "bench trial"), the judge also decides who wins.
Judges have to follow the law: they can't decide cases based on personal feelings. They're bound by statutes, regulations, and the precedent set by higher courts.
In federal courts, judges are appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, and they serve for life. In state courts, the rules vary widely: some are elected, some appointed, and term lengths differ. Local custom also matters: some counties have judges who handle every kind of case, while bigger jurisdictions have judges who specialize.