Platinum has a much shorter history in the financial sector than either gold or silver, which to ancient civilizations. Platinum is relatively scarce even among the precious metals. New mine production totals approximately only 5 million troy ounces a year. In contrast, gold mine production runs approximately 82 million ounces a year and silver production is approximately 547 million ounces. As such, it tends to trade at higher per-unit prices. Platinum trades on the New York Mercantile Exchange and the London Platinum and Palladium Market. To be saleable on most commodity markets, platinum ingots assayed and hallmarked in a manner similar to the way gold and silver are. Platinum price changes along with the platinum supply and demand. During periods of sustained economic stability and growth, the price of platinum tends to be as much as twice the price of gold, whereas, during periods of economic uncertainty, the price of platinum tends to decrease because of reduced demand, falling below the price of gold, partly due to increased gold prices. Platinum coins are another way to invest in platinum, although relatively few varieties of platinum coins minted, due to its cost and difficulty in working. Since 1997, the United States Mint has sold American Platinum Eagle coins to bullion investors. Most Swiss banks offer platinum accounts where platinum bought or sold just like any foreign currency. Unlike physical platinum, the customer does not own the actual metal but rather has a claim against the bank for a certain quantity of metal.

The Judge

A judge, or arbiter of justice, is a lead who presides over a court of law, either alone or as part of a panel of judges. The powers, functions, method of appointment, discipline, and training of judges vary widely across different jurisdictions. The judge is like an umpire in a game and conducts the trial impartially and in an open court. The judge hears all the witnesses and any other evidence presented by the parties of the case, assesses the credibility of the parties, and then issues a ruling on the matter at hand based on his or her interpretation of the law and his or her own personal judgment.

A court is a form of tribunal, often a governmental institution, with the authority to adjudicate legal disputes between parties and carry out the administration of justice in civil, criminal, and administrative matters in accordance with the rule of law. In both common law and civil law legal systems, courts are the central means for dispute resolution. Some believe all persons have an ability to bring their claims before a court. Similarly, the rights of those accused of a crime include the right to present a defense before a court.

The systems of courts that interpret and apply the law are collectively the judiciary. The place where a court sits is a venue. Court proceedings occur in a courtroom. The building as a courthouse; court facilities range from simple and very small facilities in rural communities to huge buildings in large cities.