Judge Mercedes Murphy

Manuel Arrieta

New Mexico Seventh Judicial District Court, Division I

Background Mercedes C. Murphy is a district court judge in Division I of the New Mexico Seventh Judicial District Court and serves as Chief Judge of the entire district. She presides over general jurisdiction cases, including criminal, civil, family, and domestic matters. Her primary office is in Socorro County. She is the first female judge in the history of the Seventh Judicial District.

Prior Experience Murphy previously worked as a deputy district attorney in the Seventh Judicial District Attorney’s Office from 2002 to 2014. During that time she was involved in the drug court team in Sierra County and the DWI Planning Council.

Appointment & Current Role A Democrat, she was appointed to the bench in September 2014 by Governor Susana Martinez. She has taken on significant administrative leadership as Chief Judge.

In 2023, she issued and later amended Administrative Orders on court safety and security in response to threats and disruptions. A public commenter, James Springer, challenged the orders after being removed from a public hearing via video. This led to a federal lawsuit, Springer v. Seventh Judicial District Court et al., alleging First Amendment and due process violations. The case focused on courtroom access and security policies rather than any specific criminal ruling. It was ultimately dismissed in federal court.

Election Status She has been retained by voters in subsequent nonpartisan retention elections. Her current term expires on December 31, 2026.

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