Judge

The president over court proceedings. Judges may act alone or as part of a panel of judges, largely depending on the scope of the case. The powers granted to a judge vary enormously depending on their granted jurisdiction. This could relate to their functions, discipline, training, and method of appointment. Throughout the relevant court case, judges are expected to listen impartially to all details presented by witnesses on both sides. They will assess any evidence provided by the barristers or solicitors on both sides of the argument. It is then their duty to measure the credibility of these arguments before arriving at a final decision. This ruling is informed both by the letter of the law and their personal judgment, which should remain professional and impartial above all else. Judges exert significant power on behalf of the government in upholding the law. As part of the powers granted to them, they are capable of ordering police, military, or other judicial officials to enact searches, arrests, imprisonments, seizures, deportations, or financial penalties. These actions must be carried out in accordance with the law and motivated by a breach of said law by the offender. The role of a judge prior to sentencing can be summarised as an effective impartial referee. They observe legal proceedings and ensure the way evidence is presented by either side is completed in an appropriate manner. Additionally, they work to ensure cross-examinations are performed without intimidation.