News
Philadelphia Family Court Judge Kevin M. Dougherty named Administrative Judge of Trial Division
News Article
October 22, 2014
A supervisory judge whose 10-year career on the bench has been distinguished by his service to strengthening Pennsylvania children and families will manage the Philadelphia court system’s trial division.
Chief Justice of Pennsylvania Ronald D. Castille announced today that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has appointed Philadelphia Judge Kevin M. Dougherty to the post of administrative judge of the trial division of the Court of Common Pleas of the First Judicial District (FJD).
“Filling the shoes of Judge John Herron will not be easy, but the Philadelphia court system will be well served by Judge Dougherty,” said Justice J. Michael Eakin, who serves as the Supreme Court liaison with the Philadelphia court system.
“While there are other able judges who would be more than capable of doing the job, Judge Dougherty’s leadership of the family division of the courts proved his abilities both as a jurist and an administrator, as well as a leader, qualities that are necessary for the considerable task at hand. I’m confident his service will demonstrate the wisdom of our choice.”
The administrative judge has final say over all administrative matters, including the assignment of judges; case management with the criminal and civil sections; personnel administration; statistical reporting and analysis; technology matters; the jury commission; fiscal oversight and adult probation and parole. The administrative judge also sits on the FJD’s Administrative Governing Board and the Supreme Court’s Juvenile Court Procedural Rules Committee.
Judge Dougherty was supervising judge of the juvenile branch from 2003 to 2005 when he became the administrative judge for the FJD’s family division. He will continue his duties there until his appointment to the trial division becomes effective Dec. 1. Judge Dougherty succeeds the retiring Judge John W. Herron, who has been administrative judge of the trial division since Nov. 2011.
Judge Dougherty previously was in private practice both before and after serving as an assistant district attorney in Philadelphia from 1990 to 1995. Judge Dougherty first was elected to the Common Pleas Court in 2001, and was retained by voters for another term in 2011.
He is a graduate of Temple University and Antioch School of Law. Judge Dougherty has served on the Supreme Court’s Domestic Relations Procedural Rules Committee and the Juvenile Court Judges’ Commission. He also was a member of the Children’s Commission of Distinguished Leaders in Philadelphia.
Link to order: http://www.pacourts.us/assets/opinions/Supreme/out/325ccp.pdf?cb=1
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Media contact: Art Heinz, 717-231-3317