JUDICIAL SERVICE

Judges preside over court hearings and trials, supervise legal proceedings and uphold the rights of individuals involved in
a legal process. They ensure that trials are conducted according to established rules and procedures, which may include
determining how testimony is given and evidence submitted. In non-jury criminal trials, judges decide a defendant's guilt
or innocence, and in civil cases they rule on liability and compensation.
These professionals can be elected by the public or appointed by governments. Judges often work long hours in
preparation for hearings and sometimes must travel for them. They must also be available on call for emergency
situations.

Requirements to Be a Judge
Degree Level Bachelor's degree and Juris Doctorate (required)
Degree Field Undergraduate degrees in political science, history, business or economics are beneficial
Licensure State-specific license to practice law
Experience Lawyer experience generally required
Key Skills Critical thinking, reasoning, decision-making, communication
Median Salary (2018)* $133,920 annually
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

How Many Years does it Take to Become a Judge?

The length of time it takes to complete this career pathway can vary greatly. It typically takes around 7 years to become a
lawyer, including four years of undergraduate courses and three years of law school. After that, most people spend several
years practicing as an attorney before seeking a judgeship.

How to Become a Judge

The following sections outline the steps one must take to become a judge.

Step 1: Attend Undergraduate School

Aspiring judges can prepare for careers in law during undergraduate school. No specific major of study is required to
attend law school, but prospective law students commonly earn an undergraduate degree in political science, history,
business or economics. Law school admissions can be competitive, and it is helpful to prepare during your undergraduate
years.

Step 2: Earn a Law Degree

Do you have to be a lawyer to become a judge? In most cases, yes. Most judges begin their careers as lawyers, and prior
legal practice is a prerequisite for many state and federal judgeships. Lawyers must hold Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees,
which require completing three years of legal education at a law school approved by the American Bar Association
(ABA). Some schools offer part-time programs, which typically take four years to complete.
During the first year of study in law school, students typically focus on fundamental law coursework, including contracts,
torts, civil procedure and criminal law. In the final two years, students complete elective classes in specialized topics, such
as family law and tax law. Clinical internships are also typically available. Completing an internship during law school
can provide students with experience working in the field and networking opportunities, which may make it easier to find
employment after graduation.
Step 3: Pass a Bar Exam
After earning a J.D. degree, prospective lawyers must apply for admission to the bar in their state or jurisdiction of
practice. Although admission and testing requirements vary, admission to a bar usually requires being licensed, which is
gained by passing numerous exams. Exams may include the Multistate Bar Exam, which is a 200-question, 6-hour exam,
which tests knowledge of various law fundamentals, such as criminal law, contracts and torts, and an ethics exam and a
state-specific exam.

The National Conference of Bar Examiners (NCBE) offers past examinations for sale on its website. These exams provide
students with an idea of what to expect on the bar examination.

Step 4: Work as an Attorney

Most judges work as attorneys prior to acquiring their judgeship. An attorney represents clients before a court or in other
legal proceedings to resolve disputes. Their tasks may include appearing in court, drafting court documents and
conducting legal research.

Step 5: Obtain a Judgeship

To become judges, one must either be appointed or elected. Lawyers may apply for judgeships by submitting their names
for consideration to a judicial nominating commission, or they may be recommended by senators or other politicians.
Generally, becoming nominated for a judgeship requires a strong history of legal practice and support from politicians.
Some federal judges are appointed to life-long terms, while other federal, state or local judges have fixed or renewable
terms of office. At the end of these terms, judges often either retire or teach law school.

Step 6: Complete Training

After being elected or appointed, judges may be required to complete state-administered introductory training or attend
training programs led by legal organizations, such as the ABA, National Judicial College or National Center for State
Courts. The Federal Judicial Center provides training programs for federal judges and other federal court personnel. In
these programs, trainees participate in court trials, review legal publications and complete online exercises. Most judges
are required to complete continuing education courses throughout their careers to stay informed about changes to the law.

What is the Criminal Justice System (CJS)?

 The Criminal Justice System (CJS) includes the institutions/agencies and processes established by a government
to control crime in the country. This includes components like police and courts.
 The aim of the Criminal Justice System (CJS) is to protect the rights and personal liberty of individuals and the
society against its invasion by others.
 The Criminal law in India is contained in a number of sources – The Indian Penal Code of 1860, the Protection of
Civil Rights Act, 1955, Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention
of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
 CJS can impose penalties on those who violate the established laws.
 The criminal law and criminal procedure are in the concurrent list of the seventh schedule of the constitution.
 HC Judicial Service Exam Syllabus
Syllabus plays an important in the applicant’s preparation in order to score good marks in the Prelims
Exam . Moreover, the Judicial Services Exam Syllabus 2018 helps you to know the subjects to be
practiced for the written examination. So, candidates before starting your preparation go through the
topics of the Delhi High Court Judicial Services Syllabus & Exam Pattern. Then you will have a clear idea
of how to prepare a schedule to crack the written test using the HC Judicial Service Prelims & Mains Exam
Syllabus .

(Judicial Service) DJS Prelims Exam Pattern

S. Name of Subjects Number of Total Marks Type of Test

No. Questions
1 General Knowledge
2 English
3 Constitution of India
4 Code of Civil Procedure
5 Code of Criminal Procedure 200 200 Objective Type
6 Indian Penal Code
7 Contract Act
8 Partnership Act
9 Arbitration Law
10 Specific Relief Act
11 Limitation Act
12 Evidence Act

Judicial Services Syllabus 2018 for General Knowledge

 Geography.
 Economic Scene.
 Sports.
 Scientific Research.
 Current Events.
 History.
  Culture.
 General Polity including Indian Constitution.
 Sports & Games.
 Countries and Capitals.
 National & International affairs.
 States & Capitals.
 Countries & Currencies.
 Daily News.
 Famous Personalities.
 Art & Culture.
 Current GK

HC Judicial Service & Higher Judicial Service Syllabus 2018 for English

 Idioms & Phrases.

 Antonyms.
 Adverb.
 Adjectives.
 Para Jumbles.
 Synonyms.
 Reading Comprehension.
 Sentence Corrections.
 Error Spotting/Phrase Replacement.
 Unseen Passages.
 Cloze Test.
 Fill in the Blanks.
 Verb.
 Missing Verbs.
 Phrase Replacement.
 Meanings.
 Word Formations.
 Sentence Rearrangement.
 Subject-Verb Agreement.
 Articles.
 Grammar.
High Court Judicial Services Exam Mains Test Pattern

S. Name of Subjects Maximum Type of Exam

No. Marks
1 General Knowledge & 250
Language Conventional
Type
2 Civil Law I 200
3 Civil Law II 200
4 Criminal Law 200

high court Judicial Service Exam Syllabus 2018 for Civil Law I

 Indian Sale of Goods Act.

 Specific Relief Act.
 Indian Contract Act.
 Mohammedan Law.
 Indian Partnership Act.
 Delhi Rent Control Act & Law of Torts.

Syllabus for Delhi High Court Judicial Services Exam 2018 – Civil Law II

 Law of Evidence.
 Civil Procedure Law.
 Law of Limitation.
 Delhi Judicial Services for Criminal Law.
 Law of Registration.

Delhi High Court Higher Judicial Service Syllabus 2018 for Criminal Law

 Indian Penal Code.

 Criminal Procedure Code.
 Indian Evidence Act. Viva-

Voce

1. Viva Voce will carry 150 Marks. Only such candidates shall be called for viva voce who have
obtained 40% marks in each written paper and 50% in
aggregate except in the case of candidates belonging to reserved categories i.e. SC, ST and physically
handicapped (Blind/ Low vision) (mobility not to be restricted) Orthopedically in whose case the
qualifying marks shall be 35% in each written paper and 45% in aggregate.

2. A candidate of General Category must secure minimum 50% marks and a candidate of reserved
category i.e. SC, ST and physically handicapped (Blind/ Low vision) (mobility not to be restricted)
orthopedically must secure minimum 45% marks in viva voce to be eligible for being recommended for
appointment to the service.

3. The marks obtained in the viva voce will be added to the marks obtained in the main examination
(Written) and the candidate’s position will depend on the aggregate of both.