Judges: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe individuals who preside over court cases and make decisions based on law. Common in most legal systems.

• The judges were unanimous in their decision.
• The case will be reviewed by three judges.

Describes a lower-level judge who handles minor cases, preliminary hearings, and other judicial duties such as issuing warrants.

• The magistrate dealt with the case of petty theft swiftly.
• She appeared before the magistrate for a preliminary hearing.

Often used to refer to a higher court judge, especially in supreme courts. Also denotes the administration of the law or fairness in general.

• Justice Smith delivered the final ruling.
• The concept of justice is central to a fair society.

Refers to a person or group with the authority to settle a dispute outside of the court system, often in arbitration or negotiation scenarios.

• The arbiter resolved the conflict between the two companies.
• As an arbiter, she ensured both sides were heard fairly.

Used when referring to a formal decision made by an official in a courtroom or competition setting. It often implies a sense of authority and finality.

• The judges announced the winner of the talent show
• The judge ruled in favor of the plaintiff

Commonly used in educational, professional, or analytical settings where the objective is to examine and determine the value, importance, or quality of something.

• Teachers regularly assess students' progress through tests and assignments
• The manager will assess the project’s feasibility

Used in general to describe the process of judging the value, merits, or effectiveness of something by considering various factors and evidence.

• The company will evaluate the candidates based on their skills and experience
• Scientists evaluated the data from the experiment to reach a conclusion

Often used in artistic or academic settings where a detailed analysis and review, usually involving both positive and negative aspects, is provided.

• The professor asked the students to critique each other's work
• The film received a thoughtful critique from the critic