Judge John Francis Gallagher: A Respected Jurist and Dedicated Volunteer, 0517 COBJ, Vol. 46 No. 5 Pg. 17

AuthorJoe A. Cannon, J.

46 Colo.Law. 17

Judge John Francis Gallagher: A Respected Jurist and Dedicated Volunteer

Vol. 46, No. 5 [Page 17]

The Colorado Lawyer

May, 2017

Profiles in Success

Joe A. Cannon, J.

Judge John Francis Gallagher: A Respected Jurist and Dedicated Volunteer

The Colorado Lawyer’s “Profiles in Success” column celebrates those individuals, living and deceased, whose contributions to the practice of law lend themselves to inspiring narratives. To suggest an article, contact Jessica A. Volz at jvolz@cobar.org.

Colorado Springs native Judge John Francis Gallagher (1927–2006) was the grandson of Colorado pioneers J. Arthur and Mary Adela Connell. A pioneer in his own right, he is widely known for his work in establishing the first modern juvenile court within El Paso County’s District Court and for his service as the first presiding judge of the Juvenile Court, where he was instrumental in expanding treatment services and resources for delinquent and neglected children. He was passionate in his belief that children are vulnerable and deserve a second chance.

Background

John Francis Gallagher was born on January 28, 1927, to John and Madeline Connell Gallagher. After graduating from Andover Academy in 1945, he immediately joined the U.S. Army and was discharged shortly after the end of World War II. Seizing the opportunities that came his way, he attended Yale University and e nrolled in Harvard Law School. After graduating in 1952, he returned to Colorado Springs and entered private practice, practicing general civil law until he was drafted by the Democratic Party to be a candidate for the district court in 1964. He served as a district court judge for the Fourth Judicial District of El Paso County from 1965 to 1989.

At the time of his retirement, Judge Gallagher was one of the last judges on the bench who had been politically elected. After the selection system was reformed, he stood for retention, as did all of the judges selected through our current nonpartisan system. He was repeatedly recognized by his colleagues for his expertise in the law, as well as for his consistent display of respect, patience, empathy, and courtesy to those who appeared in his court.

A Champion of Children’s Rights

In addition to his judicial service, Judge Gallagher was a dedicated volunteer in the legal and broader communities, spending much of his time on initiatives concerning juvenile justice...

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