judge

A public officer who, by virtue of his office, is clothed with judicial powers. Better understood as one who conducts or presides over a court of justice. 30A Am J Rev ed Judges § 2. Clearly to be distinguished from "court" but often used interchangeably and indiscriminately with the latter term, even in some statutes. Broadfoot v Florence, 253 Ala 455, 45 So 2d 311. A title applied in some states to members of a so-called "county court" or board of supervisors or county commissioners who are in no proper sense judicial officers or charged with judicial duties. Within the meaning of the rule that words spoken by a judge in the course of a judicial proceeding over which he is presiding, and in relation to the subject of the proceeding are absolutely privileged, the following officers have been held to be included within the term "judge," for the purpose of enjoying this protection from suits for libel or slander, when in the discharge of judicial duties; magistrates, justices of the peace, judges in other courts of inferior and superior jurisdiction, equity judges, coroners, members of courts-martial, and receivers in making reports to the courts appointing them. 33 Am J1st L & S § 177. See justice; justice of the peace.