Someone must manage the courtroom and decide questions of law. A judge is a public official with authority to preside over legal proceedings, rule on motions, instruct juries, and in many cases determine the outcome of disputes.

Judges interpret statutes and precedents, ensure procedural fairness, and impose sentences in criminal matters. They may be appointed or elected depending on the system. Ethical codes require impartiality, diligence, and avoidance of conflicts of interest.

Trial judges manage the presentation of evidence; appellate judges review claimed errors in panels. The quality of judging heavily influences public confidence in the legal system. Independence from political pressure is widely regarded as essential to legitimate adjudication.

• Official who presides over court proceedings
• Rules on law, procedure, and sometimes facts
• Bound by codes of judicial conduct
• May serve at trial or appellate level