A judge is an elected or appointed official who conducts court proceedings in civil disputes (usually involving money or property) and in criminal prosecutions (in which a person or entity has been charged with a crime). Judges must be impartial and strive to properly interpret the meaning and application of the law.

In criminal prosecutions (cases), when a case first comes to the court, the judge must decide whether there is enough evidence to support a reasonable belief that a crime has occurred and also that the person in question committed that crime. If the defendant cannot afford to hire a lawyer, the judge must appoint a lawyer for them. The judge also sets the amount of bail. Once the defendant has an attorney and the bail amount has been set, the defendant enters a plea of guilty or not guilty. The judge must ensure that the plea has been made voluntarily.

The role of a judge during a hearing depends on whether a jury is present. In most serious criminal cases a jury is present and is thus the trier of fact—meaning that the jury looks at the evidence presented to the court and determines what actually happened and whether the defendant is guilty. In these cases, the judge is the trier of law—meaning the judge ensures that everything happening in the courtroom follows the rules of law.

If a party in a civil or criminal case has not requested a jury, or is not entitled to a jury, the judge becomes both the trier of fact and the trier of law. This is more common in civil cases in which there is a relatively small amount of money in dispute—but in criminal cases it happens only if both the state and the defendant agree in writing not to have a jury trial.

Judges may also determine the defendant’s sentence or punishment in criminal cases, and in some civil cases, judges determine the amount of sanctions, penalties, or damages.

In Maryland, judges play a crucial role in both civil and criminal court proceedings. They are tasked with ensuring impartiality and the correct application of the law. During initial criminal proceedings, Maryland judges assess the sufficiency of evidence to justify the charges and, if necessary, appoint attorneys for defendants who cannot afford one. They also set bail and confirm that any pleas are entered voluntarily. In trials, the judge's role varies depending on whether a jury is present. With a jury, the judge focuses on legal matters, while the jury determines the facts. Without a jury, which is more common in civil cases or when both parties in a criminal case waive the right to a jury trial, the judge acts as both the trier of fact and law. Additionally, judges in Maryland are responsible for sentencing in criminal cases and may determine financial penalties in civil matters.