What is the role of a judge pro tem?

The role of a judge pro tem is that of a temporary judge who steps in to perform judicial duties when a regular judge is unavailable. This can happen for various reasons, such as illness, scheduling conflicts, or an overload of cases that requires additional judicial support.

In this capacity, a judge pro tem may be appointed to handle cases, conduct hearings, or make rulings just like a permanent judge would, ensuring the court's functions continue smoothly. This temporary appointment helps maintain the flow of judicial proceedings and upholds the judicial system's integrity by ensuring that cases can proceed without unnecessary delays.

The other options provided do not accurately capture the specific role of a judge pro tem. For instance, while a judge presiding over specialized courts is an important function, it does not align with the temporary nature of a judge pro tem. Similarly, the definition of a temporary judge appointed for a specific case does not encompass the broader role they may serve across multiple cases or sessions. Lastly, judges who work exclusively on divorce cases are known as family court judges, which is distinct from the concept of a judge pro tem.