Judge

John McCarthy - Superior Court judge since 1997

Ratings

By 34 attorneys

Legal ability: 3.77 (15th)

Integrity, impartiality: 3.59 (19th)

Professionalism: 3.04 (22nd)

Administrative skills: 3.52 (21st)

By jurors

Not rated.

Attorney comments

• "Judge McCarthy is very good in the legal sense: He is very bright and intelligent and will make tough decisions and follow the law. However, at times he is very impatient. He can be quite harsh and give both parties a tongue-lashing."
• "I view Judge McCarthy as a judge who cares about the community and justice. I especially appreciate his commitment to Drug Court and his desire not to inconvenience witnesses for trials. On the other hand, I believe he too often loses his temper over very small matters."
• "Judge McCarthy is an excellent member of the judiciary, and we can be proud to have him on the bench."
• "Judge McCarthy can be very disrespectful in court to attorneys, parents, interpreters and probation officers. He routinely storms off the bench and puts the court in recess for 30 to 40 minutes when he is angry that there is some minimal delay."

Judge's Response

"As presiding judge at juvenile court in 2007, a goal was to reduce trial delays and provide timely resolutions and consequences. The number of youth detained and trials held is at an all-time low. Change can be difficult, and diligent case management is not popular with some. Constructive evaluations are appreciated."