Several Supreme Court justices throughout history have had no earlier experience as a judge.

VOA: special.2010.05.15

"As a former prosecutor, commercial litigator, district court judge and appellate judge, she certainly brings a wealth of unique experience."

VOA: special.2009.07.18

I smiled to myself and said "But some people say that he is as good a judge of wine as you are."

VOA: special.2009.02.07

He quickly sent for a judge to give him the oath of office as President.

VOA: special.2010.04.22

She has never been a judge, but has served as governor and attorney general of the state of Arizona.

VOA: standard.2009.05.03

Sotomayor spent years as a federal judge before her Supreme Court appointment, and legal analysts expect her to be an active advocate in the court's oral and written debates.

VOA: standard.2009.10.05

Among the early critics was Michael Mukasey, a former federal judge who has presided at a major terrorism trial and who served as attorney general at end of the Bush administration.

VOA: standard.2009.11.25