Judges have a tough a profession. They have taken an oath to uphold and honor the laws. What many people do not take into consideration is that fact that behind the gavel and the black robe is a human-being just like us. They fight with their spouses, have issues with friends, and other factors, despite their best attempts, they cannot just leave outside the courtroom. “Unfortunately, judges are human and their decisions occasionally reflect such a reality. One West Virginia judge, for example, became so enraged at a defendant who began cursing at him in court that he jumped down from his bench, tore off his judicial robe, and bit the tip off the defendant’s nose” (Smith, 1998) Despite the judge’s humanistic natures, they have a vast amount of obligations and responsibilities. On a daily basis they ultimately have people’s lives in their hands.

The responsibilities of Judges are very broad and highly demanding. They have to sign search and arrest warrants, alter arrest procedures through the appellate ruling and set or revoke bail dependent on the case. Judges preside over preliminary hearings, hear pretrial motions and approve plea bargains. Judges ensure that jury selection procedure follows the law, manage day-to-day courtroom concerns and preside over trails. And finally, Judges determine if there is probable cause to rule and sentence the alleged criminal.

Story of ineffective judges floods the media on a regular basis because of some mistreatment that happened in their courtroom. When people don’t like a specific ruling or how a case was handled, they will tend to lean towards the cry of it being a bad Judge, but that is not what makes an ineffective Judge.  These Judges are typically are corrupt, abuse office for personal gain, and hold a bias, prejudice, or insensitivity. On the other hand, an effective Judge realizes his position and operated under that pretense. Honoring their responsibility as a Judge, upholding the law and not falling victim to corruption or bias that need not be incorporated in the judicial system. Not abusing the power and the freedom they have been given.

The highest of all Judges reside in the Supreme Court. When it comes to what is an effective or ineffective Supreme Court Judge is very controversial.  Sonya Sotomayor was a perfect example of the question that exactly is competent.  Her personal work experience, life and integrity validated why she should be a candidate for Supreme Court Judge. Judges have a heavy weight on their shoulders, because they are the ones who have to determine that justice has been served.  That is not always an easy job; there are always exceptions, extenuating circumstance, and reasonable doubt that they have to use their digression to overcome.  Ultimately, they are the ones who are making sure that the “liberty and justice for all” that our country was founded on is upheld on a daily basis.  When judges fail to do their job, there are investigations done and can lead up to potential removal from their seat.

A Judges position is one of the highest in the judicial system and they are sworn in to do their job with honor and integrity.  Any indiscretions, biases, and immoral actions will have severe repercussions on the Judge.   America is a country of freedom, Justice and Liberty and an ineffective and dishonest judge can tarnish what the pretense for which this country was founded on.   Judges have a tough job on their hands, but the qualities of an effective judge will follow them throughout their entire career.