Can judges change their mind?

Yes, judges can change their minds, especially before a final order is sealed, by reconsidering their own decisions or responding to new arguments/evidence, though it's often difficult and usually requires showing a clear error or misunderstanding of facts/law, with mechanisms like motions for reconsideration or "slip rule" amendments allowing corrections for accidental slips, but not deliberate afterthoughts.

Can a judge change his mind?

The request for reconsideration must clearly show an error of fact or law material to the decision. The Judge may also reconsider a decision on his or her own initiative.

Can a judge reverse their decision?

Yes, a judge can reverse or modify their own decision, but usually only under specific circumstances like clerical errors, interlocutory rulings, or if a party files a motion showing a clear error or changed circumstances, with stricter rules for final judgments and jury verdicts, often requiring an appeal to a higher court for significant reversals. 

Do judges regret their decisions?

Judges have second thoughts about their past decisions far more often than is admitted, so failing to consider those regrets paints an inaccurate picture of how the legal system functions, according to "Judicial Regrets" by Brooklyn Law School professor Yuvraj Joshi.

Who has more power than a judge?

While a judge holds significant authority in a courtroom, others with more or different power include the Prosecutor (influencing charges/deals), the Jury (fact-finding/verdicts), the Legislature (creating laws/impeaching judges), the Executive (enforcing laws/appointing judges), and the Supreme Court (interpreting constitutionality/overruling lower courts). Power balances differently: prosecutors control the case's start, judges manage the trial, but the legislature and executive significantly shape the entire system and its officials. 

Jack Blocker's Audition Has The Crew Demanding Judges To Change Their Votes - American Idol 2024

Are judges ever held accountable?

Yes, judges are held accountable through internal ethics rules, judicial councils, impeachment (for federal judges), and sometimes elections, but accountability can be challenging due to judicial independence and lifetime appointments, with mechanisms focusing on misconduct rather than disagreeing with rulings, though new laws aim to strengthen this for certain release decisions. 

Can a judge overrule the jury?

Yes, a judge can overrule a jury's verdict, but only under specific, narrow circumstances, such as when there's insufficient evidence to support the verdict or due to significant trial errors, a process often called Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV) or Judgment of Acquittal in criminal cases; judges rarely do this to respect the jury's role as the community's voice. In criminal cases, a judge cannot overturn a jury's acquittal (not guilty verdict) due to double jeopardy protections, but can overturn a guilty verdict if it's clearly unsupported by evidence.
 

What is a judge not allowed to do?

A judge should not act as an arbitrator or mediator or otherwise perform judicial functions apart from the judge's official duties unless expressly authorized by law. (5) Practice of Law. A judge should not practice law and should not serve as a family member's lawyer in any forum.

What should you never say to a judge?

1. “Judge, it appears you just don't understand this other jerk or you did not read my brief.” This is disrespectful to the judge, as it is condescending, disrespectful to the other party and suggests the judge is lazy or stupid for apparently not agreeing with or possibly truly not reading the brief.

Can a judge get fired?

Yes, judges can be removed from office, but the process depends on the level of the court; federal judges have lifetime tenure and can only be removed via impeachment by Congress, while state and local judges often face removal by state commissions for misconduct or disability, sometimes through impeachment or other judicial review processes. The key is that they aren't "fired" at will like most employees, but through formal, often difficult, constitutional or statutory processes for serious offenses. 

How can a judge be unfair?

Actual bias happens when a judge cannot be fair and has clear prejudice or favoritism in a case. This is different from "presumed bias," which is based on situations that might cause a judge to seem unfair, like having a financial interest in the case.

Is it legal to flip off a judge?

But No, You Can't Flip Off a Judge

Criminal contempt encompasses anything disrespecting the dignity of the court, and most judges are more than happy to the charge it any time that they feel threatened, and much happier if they feel insulted or ridiculed.

Can you sue a judge for their decision?

In essence, absolute immunity provides these officials with freedom from lawsuits, allowing them to invoke this protection through pretrial motions. For instance, judges and judicial officers in California enjoy a broad scope of absolute immunity that remains intact, even in light of the state's tort claims act.

What is the hardest case to win in court?

There's no single "hardest" case, but the most challenging to win often involve sexual assault with children, first-degree murder (due to premeditation charges), crimes against vulnerable victims (like children or the elderly), or complex white-collar crimes, due to intense public emotion, high stakes, lack of direct evidence (especially in sex crimes), or complicated financial details that sway juries. Cases involving insanity defenses are also notoriously difficult because of the high burden of proof (clear evidence), expert conflicts, and public skepticism. 

Who can overturn a judge's decision?

A judge's decision can be overruled by a higher court through the appellate process, by legislative action (Congress/Parliament) if it's about interpreting a law (statutory interpretation), or in rare cases, by a judge over another judge if there's a significant change in circumstances, but generally, the judiciary has internal checks, with Congress able to impeach federal judges for misconduct. 

Who is more powerful, a judge or a prosecutor?

While the judge is entrusted with decision-making power, and he/she cannot initiate judicial process, the prosecutor's primary function is to initiate and conduct criminal action, to act as a party in judicial proceedings and, in many countries, to supervise and direct the police during the investigative phase.

What annoys a judge?

Having an Outburst. Judges want their courtrooms to be professional places where justice can be served and laws are upheld. If you have an outburst or any kind, the judge is going to get agitated and/or angry. It's important to keep your composure in the courtroom — no matter what aggravating factors are at play.

What is the B word for lawyer?

Other forms: lawyers. A lawyer is a professional who is qualified to offer advice about the law or represent someone in legal matters. A lawyer can also be called an attorney, a solicitor, a counselor, a barrister, or — pejoratively — an ambulance chaser.

What color do judges like to see in court?

Judges prefer neutral, conservative colors like navy blue, gray, black, and brown, which convey seriousness, respect, and professionalism, while avoiding bright, flashy colors (red, yellow, neon) or distracting patterns that draw attention away from the case. The goal is to look trustworthy and serious, not attention-seeking or overly casual, so muted tones and well-fitted attire are key for anyone in court. 

Who has higher authority than a judge?

Prosecutors represent the government. They decide which cases to pursue and what charges to file. Their power can influence case outcomes more than judges in some cases.

What do judges not like?

Judges don't like it when you start a statement or proposition with “I think” or “I believe”. The issue isn't what you think or believe – the issue is what judge accepts as meaningful. You don't make a good point stronger, or a bad point good, by saying you think or believe that it's true.

Can you say yes sir to a judge?

Yes, you can say "yes, sir" to a judge, but "Your Honor" is the more standard, formal, and preferred term in most U.S. courtrooms, though "Sir," "Ma'am," or just "Judge" are also acceptable if said respectfully, especially in less formal settings or when "Your Honor" feels unnatural. The key is to show deference; avoid "you," "hey," or first names, and always be polite. 

Who overrides a judge?

A judge's decision can be overruled by a higher court through the appellate process, by legislative action (Congress/Parliament) if it's about interpreting a law (statutory interpretation), or in rare cases, by a judge over another judge if there's a significant change in circumstances, but generally, the judiciary has internal checks, with Congress able to impeach federal judges for misconduct. 

What if one juror disagrees?

If one juror disagrees in a criminal trial, it often leads to a hung jury and a mistrial, as most require unanimity; the judge may urge more deliberation, but if deadlock persists, the case can be retried with a new jury, charges dropped, or a plea deal offered, though in some states (like Oregon, historically), non-unanimous verdicts were possible. Jurors must deliberate, listen to others, and maintain their honest convictions, but not refuse to discuss, and disagreements are common, stemming from evidence interpretation or personal beliefs.
 

Who has more power, a judge or the jury?

Ultimately, it's up to the judge to rule on these issues of law, and decide which evidence can be considered. Therefore, the jurors should only make their decision based on what is seen and heard in the courtroom, and nothing else. Courts have other standard rules, to make sure the entire process is fair and impartial.