The Judge
The judge in the court plays one of the most fundamental functional roles in the criminal justice system. As a judge, society through the State confers on one the responsibility of administering justice. The duty to administer justice is complex and multifaceted. It involves the dual and usually contradicting function of ensuring the accused and the complainants receive justice. In the absence of caution, competence and diligence, a miscarriage of justice can be allowed either in favour of the accused or the complainant. It, therefore, remains of paramount essence to excise due diligence and caution in the excise of the functional responsibility of a judge.
Major issues and satisfaction in dispensing the function of a judge
Criminal justice essentially involves the management of criminals and deals in detail with crime. As a judge, it is fundamental and of essence for one to understand criminology. That is, one needs to understand crime and its inherent elements. These could be said to include issues regarding why crime exists? Who commits crime and why? What solutions are available to address the commission of crime and lastly whether crime in itself is preventable? These, in my opinion, are the major issues that confront a judge in the daily discharge of his responsibilities. The question thus remains whether the judge as an officer in the criminal justice system appreciates and understands the nature of his work. Is he comfortable and consistent in his approach towards solving these mundane societal issues? The competence and diligence of the judge hence is of essence.
Effectiveness of the course in dispensing the duties
Indeed, the course fully and adequately prepares one for the discharge of duties of a judge. One finds solutions and possible suggestions applicable in addressing the issues in the body and content of the course. For instance, theories of crime suffice to explain possible reasons for the indulgence in crime. In addition, they suggest possible solutions to the crime. It remains imperative for judges to go through the course content, for in the course, exists a myriad of solutions that effectively address the day to day functional issues in the criminal justice system. Moreover, through the learning process, one is equipped with managerial and administrative skills applicable in the criminal justice system. While the main duty of the judge usually concerns the interpretation of the law, this duty cannot be administered in isolation. In other words, the judge cannot operate in a vacuum. Ordinarily, the interpretation of the law occurs in toe with other duties and responsibilities some being of managerial and administrative nature. Indeed, such must have informed the course’s objective in equipping the learner not only with the substance of the law, but with additional knowledge and information on other disciplines.
It should be appreciated, therefore, that the course is effective and proper for purposes of churning out judges. In other words, the functional roles of a judge can be easily discharged by students who have gone through the course. However, one cannot dismiss the need for additional training and information for purposes of discharging the functions of a judge. This is because the roles of judges in the criminal justice system may be summarised in ensuring the administration of justice. However, the administration of justice is a complex issue that needs additional and continuous learning of contemporary issues.
References
Blond, N. C. (2007). Criminal Law. New York: Aspen Publishers.
Brody, D., & Acker, J. (2011). Criminal Law. New York: Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Samaha, J. (2010). Criminal Law. New York: Cengage Learning.
