Superior Court of California, County of Butte
The Superior Court of California, County of Butte is a general-jurisdiction state trial court in California, where most civil and criminal cases are first heard. Its judges are chosen by gubernatorial appointment from a nominating commission, followed by retention elections, the method California uses for its judges. This page lists the judges on record for this court from our public-records source, current and former; trial-court coverage is partial.
| Judge | Since |
|---|---|
| Sandra Lynn McLean | 2005 |
| Michael Peter Candela | 2010 |
| Michael Robert Deems | 2012 |
| Kimberly Jeannine Merrifield | 2015 |
| Jesus A. Rodriguez | 2018 |
| Judge | Years |
|---|---|
| Denny R. Forland | 2013–2014 |
| Clare Keithley | 2008–2021 |
| Tamara L. Mosbarger | 2007–2019 |
| Steven J. Howell | 2006–2011 |
| Kristen A. Lucena | 2006–2015 |
| Robert A. Glusman | 2002–2017 |
| Stephen E. Benson | 2001–2013 |
| James F. Reilley | 2001–2018 |
| Thomas M. Kelly | 1998–2010 |
| Barbara L. Roberts | 1998–2005 |
| Darrell W. Stevens | 1998–2005 |
| Jerome E. Warren | 1998–2000 |
| Ann H. Rutherford | 1989–2001 |
| William R. Patrick | 1986–2006 |
| Roger G. Gilbert | 1984–2007 |
| Loyd H., Jr. Mulkey | 1981–1996 |
| Reginald M. Watt | 1975–1988 |
| Lucian B. Vandegrift | 1971–1984 |
| Jean Morony | 1961–1981 |
How a judge reaches this court. Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Butte are appointed by the governor to 12-year terms and then face yes-or-no retention elections. Selection methods vary by jurisdiction and have changed over time; this page reflects the court’s current method (source: National Center for State Courts). Open any judge to see their tenure and whom they succeeded.
Source: CourtListener / Free Law Project (bulk data); selection method from the National Center for State Courts. Data last verified 2026-06-30. Verify against the primary source before relying. Not a consumer report (FCRA).