Public officials authorized to hear and decide legal cases in a court of law, or people who evaluate and make decisions about competitions or disputes. They interpret and apply laws while maintaining impartiality.
From Old French 'jugier' and Latin 'iudicare' meaning 'to judge, decide,' from 'iudex' (judge), literally 'one who speaks the law.' The root 'ius' meant 'law' or 'right.' Entered English in the 13th century.
The judicial wig tradition in many legal systems started as fashionable 17th-century attire but became symbolic of the transformation that occurs when someone puts on the role of impartial arbiter. Judges often describe feeling the weight of the office, as if the role itself demands a different version of themselves.
Historically, judicial systems excluded women entirely. 'Judge' required property ownership and legal standing denied to women until the 20th century. Early women judges (1930s onward) faced explicit barriers; language defaulted to male.
Use 'judges' as gender-neutral plural; specify 'judge' for individuals without gendering. Acknowledge women's under-representation in bench.
["judicial officers","magistrates"]
Early women judges like Florence Ellinwood Allen (Ohio, 1922) fought state-level barriers. The first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Connor, was appointed only in 1981.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.