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Simple English definitions for legal terms
senior judge
Read a random definition: ex incommodo
A quick definition of senior judge:
A senior judge is a public official who listens to legal cases and makes decisions in court. They are usually appointed or elected and have a lot of experience. They are sometimes called a chief judge or a presiding judge. A senior judge can be in charge of a particular court or judicial district. They can also be the judge who has served the longest time on a given court. Sometimes, a judge can be appointed to sit temporarily on a court in the regular judge's absence.A more thorough explanation:
A senior judge is a judge who has served for the longest time on a given court. It can also refer to a federal or state judge who qualifies for senior status and chooses this status over retirement. Senior judges have the same authority as active judges, but they have a reduced caseload and can choose which cases they want to hear.
Judge Smith has been serving on the District Court for 30 years. He is the most senior judge on the court and is referred to as the senior judge. He still hears cases, but he has a reduced caseload and can choose which cases he wants to hear.
This example illustrates the definition of a senior judge as a judge who has served for the longest time on a given court. Judge Smith's seniority gives him the privilege of having a reduced caseload and the ability to choose which cases he wants to hear.