What is the role of a judge in court proceedings?

The role of a judge in court proceedings is to oversee the entire courtroom process, ensuring that the proceedings are fair and conducted according to the law. This includes interpreting laws and legal principles, applying them to the facts of the case, and making rulings on various legal matters that arise during the trial.

Judges also ensure that all parties have an opportunity to present their cases, maintain order in the courtroom, and protect the rights of all involved, including jurors, plaintiffs, and defendants. By making impartial decisions based on legal standards, judges play a crucial role in upholding justice and ensuring that legal processes are adhered to. This encompasses everything from deciding on the admissibility of evidence to issuing sentencing in criminal cases.

Other roles mentioned, such as advising parties on legal strategies, gathering evidence, or representing one of the parties, fall outside the impartial responsibilities of a judge within the judicial system. Instead, those tasks are typically assigned to attorneys or other legal practitioners.