A judge hears legal disputes and makes decisions or judgments based on the evidence presented. They also shape interpretation and application of law by reviewing legal precedents—other court decisions on similar cases—and they strive to maintain consistency in their decisions. Judges may work alone in smaller cases, or they may be part of a panel in criminal and other significant cases. They may also be assisted by clerks, referendaries and bailiffs or similar with security duties.
The first and most important characteristic of any judge is integrity. This includes adherence to all relevant ethics codes and the avoidance of bias based on any source other than the rule of law. Judges with integrity are also open to learning and supplementing their knowledge, adjusting their jurisprudence as the law changes.
Compassion is another key attribute of good judges. They feel empathy for the victims of crime and those who are accused of committing crimes, which can help them determine the most just sentences and rulings. Judges with compassion are often high on the extraversion scale, meaning they thrive in people-focused environments.
An innovator who has made several landmark civil rights rulings, including the 2022 case that struck down North Carolina legislative and congressional districts as partisan gerrymanders. Created Ticket2Ride, an organization that raises money to provide free bus passes for indigent defendants so they can attend their court appearances, reducing bench warrants and wasted police time and jail nights. Also serves as a mentor and speaker on issues of racial justice.