The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word ARBITERS
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More clues leading to the result ARBITERS
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Judges" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case judges = arbiters.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ARBITERS mean?
ARBITERS noun- A person appointed, or chosen, by parties to determine a controversy between them; an arbitrator.
- (with of) A person or object having the power of judging and determining, or ordaining, without control; one whose power of deciding and governing is not limited.
- A component in circuitry that allocates scarce resources.