The key difference is that American judges are typically political appointees or elected officials. They are deliberately chosen for political reasons. In many

The key difference is that American judges are typically political appointees or elected officials. They are deliberately chosen for political reasons. In many other countries, judges are more like career civil servants. While they are technically nominated by the executive branch and appointed by a figurehead president, it's usually a scandal if politicians try to influence the outcome. In practice, judges are selected by panels that consist of judges and other legal experts.