A couple questions regarding JD feats

[Stampede-V-ASH-1]

Regarding the Judge feat Nerves of Steel, the benefit text reads in part, "He also gains a +4 bonus to saving throws made against effects." To what kind(s) of effects does this refer? I'm guessing fear-causing effects, or perhaps mind-influencing effects in general; however, all I can do is guess at this point.

Also, several feats list one or more skills as a prerequisite. I'm guessing that a character having any number of ranks in said skill(s) would meet that prerequisite; is this correct?

 

[Matt Sharp]

Regarding the Judge feat Nerves of Steel, the benefit text reads in part, "He also gains a +4 bonus to saving throws made against effects." To what kind(s) of effects does this refer? I'm guessing fear-causing effects, or perhaps mind-influencing effects in general; however, all I can do is guess at this point.

It actually says 'He also gains a +4 bonus to all saving throws against fear effects.'

Also, several feats list one or more skills as a prerequisite. I'm guessing that a character having any number of ranks in said skill(s) would meet that prerequisite; is this correct?

Yup. You actually need to have bought some ranks in the skill, though, not just gained a bonus from a high ability score or something.