There are many different types of judges, each hearing different types of cases, and with different powers to use when deciding the outcome of a case. Judges, magistrates and tribunal members sit in three main jurisdictions - civil, criminal and family.
Judicial Profiles
This section contains links to profiles which explain the roles of judges within the civil, criminal, family and tribunal jurisdiction areas. You can also find information to give you a better understanding of the variety and complexity of work which judges undertake.
There are many different types of judges, each hearing different types of cases, and with different powers to use when deciding the outcome of a case. Judges, magistrates and tribunal members sit in three main jurisdictions - civil, criminal and family.
Civil cases are divided between judges and magistrates who hear cases such as those dealing with small claims and tribunal members who hear claims in specialised jurisdictions, such as immigration and asylum, or employment law.
Judges and magistrates in the family jurisdiction decide issues such as those relating to divorce cases or child contact disputes. In criminal cases magistrates and judges can, for example, sentence a guilty person to imprisonment or community service.
Heads of Division
There are 5 Heads of Division. Collectively they are responsible for the efficient running of the courts in England and Wales. Read more about heads of division...
Salaried Judiciary
The salaried judiciary hold permanent, usually full time positions, and often have formal judicial titles. Read more about salaried judiciary...
Fee-paid Judiciary
Fee-paid members of the judiciary hold part time positions and often combine their judicial responsibilities with another legal, or non-legal career. Read more about fee-paid judiciary...
Magistrates
Magistrates are trained, unpaid members of their local community, who work part-time and deal with less serious criminal cases, such as minor theft, criminal damage, public disorder and motoring offences. Read more about magistrates...