Superior Court of California, County of Merced
A general-jurisdiction trial court in California.
The Superior Court of California, County of Merced 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.
Roster as of the CourtListener bulk-data snapshot (2026-03-31): recent departures and appointments may not be reflected, so it is shown as “on record,” not “currently serving.”
Judges on record
Former judges
| Judge | Years |
|---|---|
| Harry L. Jacobs | 2012–2017 |
| Mark V. Bacciarini | 2010–2019 |
| Donald J. Proietti | 2009–2020 |
| Marc A. Garcia | 2007–2015 |
| Brian L. McCabe | 2004–2016 |
| Frank Dougherty | 2003–2007 |
| Ronald W. Hansen | 2002–2017 |
| Hugh Flanagan | 2001–2013 |
| John D. Kirihara | 2001–2010 |
| Philip Ray Castellucci | 1998–1999 |
| Angil P. Morris-Jones | 1998–2001 |
| Robert D. Quall | 1998–2007 |
| Donald E. Shaver | 1998–2010 |
| William T. Ivey | 1990–1997 |
| Michael S. Hider | 1985–2001 |
| Robert M. Falasco | 1982–1985 |
| George C. Barrett | 1972–1991 |
| Donald R. Fretz | 1962–1989 |
Other courts in County, California
County is also served by these courts.
How a judge reaches this court. Judges of the Superior Court of California, County of Merced 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 as of 2026-03-31 (CourtListener bulk snapshot). Verify against the primary source before relying. Not a consumer report (FCRA).