trial judges
First-instance decision-makers
Trial judges preside over cases at the lowest level of a court system, where evidence is presented, witnesses testify, and facts are determined.
They rule on procedural matters, instruct juries, and in bench trials, decide guilt or liability themselves.
Their decisions may be appealed to higher courts: The trial judge admitted the evidence over defense objections.
- fact-finderOne who determines facts
- benchShared seating surface
- adjudicatorOne rendering formal decisions
- decision-makerOne with choosing power
- district courtLower federal judicial body
magistrate · civil case · gavel · robe · circuit court · presiding officer · impartiality · courtroom · voir dire · opening statements · plea bargaining · superior court · sentencing hearing · judicial oath · discovery process · access to justice · bailiff · cross-examination
- judgesmagistrate, magistrates, jurist, chief justice, circuit judges
- trial courtssuperior court, family court, small claims court, criminal court, civil court
- courtsfamily court, civil court, district court, criminal court, circuit court
trial judgeslitigants
Parties in a lawsuit
trial attorneys · defense counsel · prosecutors · trial lawyers · parties