Why were judges appointed during the time moses led the people?

Judges, during the time of Moses, were appointed because the Israelite people were far too numerous for Moses to arbitrate all of their disputes by himself. They then played a role similar to judges today, judging whether or not people were in the right or wrong, and if necessary sending a case to a 'higher judge' who would be considered wiser and better able to decide on a difficult case, similar to the court system in the US.