Magistrate judges can prepare to take the bench for the first time, or improve their skills at any time, with the Judicial Education Center's online training programs. Here is a suggested guide through the training portion of the JEC website. Of course, you can access this training in any order you prefer, and you can also leave and return to the site whenever you like.

The first thing you can do is bookmark this page so you can return to it easily the next time you decide to do some training. If you are using Microsoft Internet Explorer, (or click Favorites > Add to Favorites from the top menu). If you are using Netscape, move your cursor just left of the address box and click Bookmarks > Add Bookmark. This may vary, depending which version of Netscape you are using. For a FREE upgrade to the latest version of Netscape, click here. For a FREE upgrade to the latest version of Internet Explorer, click here.

Now for the actual training.

1. Start with Hearsay to learn the basic principles of hearsay evidence.

2. Visit the Judicial Handbook's Evidence section.

3. Now that you've got some basic information, you can move on to Sentencing for Magistrates to see how your answers to the questions presented compare to New Mexico law.

4. Check out the DWI Sentencing Calculator. It will come in handy later on.

5. Now you're ready for the DWI Virtual Trial. To get started, you'll need to register with your email address and a password -- if you have more than one email address, so be sure you remember which one you used, and choose a memorable password, too!

This mock trial will allow you to watch videos and make rulings based upon the evidence presented. You'll be able to consult Legal Resources, the Case File, and you can even get hints from the Mentor Judge along the way! The trial will proceed consistent with your rulings, and at the end, the program will offer feedback on each ruling you made, right through sentencing.

6. The next phase of your training should consist of Judicial Ethics. The training consists of three videos, on Charitable Activities, Ex Parte Communications, and Judicial Demeanor; that you can view over the internet, and several interactive exercises. For more information about Judicial Ethics, visit the New Mexico Code of Judicial Conduct and the Judicial Handbook's Ethics section.

7. You'll need to know about Search Warrants. Visit that section of the website, so you'll be prepared when you need to sign a search warrant.

8. To help prepare yourself for civil trials in negligence or other cases alleging personal wrongs, complete the training on Torts.

9. When you've completed all that, check out the rest of our online training by visiting Online Training Courses or select a course from this jump menu: