Judge

A person appointed to decide cases in a court of law. They preside over legal proceedings, hear evidence, and determine verdicts. Beyond the courtroom, 'judge' also signifies the act of forming an opinion or conclusion about someone or something, often based on observation or assessment. This can involve evaluating merit, quality, or behavior. A judge can make decisions in various settings, not just legal ones, and the process invariably requires critical thinking, impartiality, and adherence to established criteria or principles.

Judge meaning with examples

• The judge in the murder trial listened intently to the testimony, ensuring fair procedures. She then carefully reviewed the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense, before giving her closing statement. After deliberation with the jury, the judge delivered a verdict, based on the law and the facts. Her decision was critical to ensure justice and fairness.
• A seasoned art critic judged the entries in the local art competition. He carefully examined each piece, considering its technique, composition, and artistic merit, before awarding prizes. His judgments influenced the future careers of many artists and he faced public scrutiny, given the many different art forms on show. His opinions set standards for excellence within the community.
• I had to judge the baking contest; I was selected for my passion for food. I tasted each cake, pie, and cookie, paying attention to flavor, texture, and presentation. I wrote notes on each entry and ultimately made my decision based on a rubric for the competition, and the deliciousness of the food. It was the most important job, and I wanted to pick good ones.
• As a human, we constantly judge other people and their actions. Whether it's forming opinions about someone's outfit or the way they drive, we make snap decisions. I try not to make quick judgments about people without knowing their whole story. We often assess their behavior and character, sometimes correctly and sometimes incorrectly, based on very little.