JUDGE STEPHEN MURPHY REPORT CARD
Stephen M. Murphy was appointed to the Superior Court in December 2016 by former Governor Jerry Brown. Judge Murphy graduated from the College of the Holy Cross where he earned a B.A. He received his J.D. from the University of San Francisco Law School in 1981. Murphy began his legal career as a law clerk for the New Hampshire Superior Court in 1981. In 1982 he joined Bianco, Brandi, and Jones as an associate, eventually becoming a named partner in 1988. In 1992 he moved to Bianco and Murphy, also as a named partner. He began his own legal practice in 1999, which specialized in employment law, handling workplace discrimination and harassment cases. He also represented clients who had been unfairly terminated or denied medical leave.
Grade: INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION TO GRADE
Survey Rating: Judge Murphy earned a moderately high average survey rating of 5.5 from trial attorneys who closely observe the courts. His highest rating was for professionalism and judicial temperament. Ratings are on a scale of 1 to 7, with 7 the highest score.
Comments from Court Observers:
“The DA contacted retailers and received many letters from retailers and many at hearing; judge did the right thing.”
“Did a good job in refusing to release a defendant who knocked out a police officer from detention.”
“Protected the record for appeal.”
Refused to answer any questions posed to judges regarding voter education, appeals of their decisions, published writings, judicial application, etc.
Case History: Judge Murphy issued an order in only one narcotics sales case during the period of our study, so no conclusions are possible.
Example: None.
Appeals: No relevant appeals.
Media:
Judge Murphy presided over the well-publicized case of alleged serial stalker Bill Gene Hobbs, who was accused of harassing many women. Murphy dismissed nearly half of the public nuisance and misdemeanor charges for lack of evidence, but allowed a felony charge of false imprisonment and 12 misdemeanor charges to proceed. Judge Murphy ordered him detained until his next court date: https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/s-f-judge-tosses-nearly-half-of-the-misdemeanor-17586863.php
Presided over Paul Pelosi attack case
Denied DA request to enter evidence about 5 prior incidents involving attacks on dog walkers by defendant who was subsequently acquitted in murder of 94 year old Glen Park man:
https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/bayarea/heatherknight/article/leo-hainzl-death-17234682.php
Ordered pre-trial release of driver of car with suspected robber in trunk who pulled gun on police and was killed: