Judges and Hearing Officers

Judges and Hearing Officers typically perform the following tasks: • Determine existence and amount of liability according to current laws, administrative and judicial precedents, and available evidence. • Monitor and direct the activities of trials and hearings to ensure that they are conducted fairly and that courts administer justice while safeguarding the legal rights of all involved parties. • Prepare written opinions and decisions. • Authorize payment of valid claims and determine method of payment. • Conduct hearings to review and decide claims regarding issues, such as social program eligibility, environmental protection, or enforcement of health and safety regulations. • Research and analyze laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions to prepare for hearings and to determine conclusions. • Review and evaluate data on documents, such as claim applications, birth or death certificates, or physician or employer records. • Recommend the acceptance or rejection of claims or compromise settlements according to laws, regulations, policies, and precedent decisions. • Rule on exceptions, motions, and admissibility of evidence. • Explain to claimants how they can appeal rulings that go against them. • Confer with individuals or organizations involved in cases to obtain relevant information. • Issue subpoenas and administer oaths in preparation for formal hearings. • Schedule hearings. • Conduct studies of appeals procedures in field agencies to ensure adherence to legal requirements and to facilitate determination of cases.