Judge McNamee

With the volatile issue of illegal immigration making daily headlines, it’s not surprising that the federal judiciary in Arizona has been experiencing explosive growth.
Administering the U.S. District Court of Arizona through this period was the responsibility of Judge Stephen M. McNamee, who will be awarded the James A. Walsh Outstanding Jurist Award by the State Bar of Arizona. The award goes to a judge whose career exemplifies the highest standards of judicial conduct for integrity and independence and who endeavors to improve the administration of justice.
Judge McNamee, who last month completed a seven-year term as chief judge of the U.S. District Court of Arizona, is being honored for presiding over a period of unprecedented growth in the federal judiciary in Arizona, facilitating the move into the modern era of electronic case filing, and organizing an active Local Rules Committee.
He has served as a federal judge since being nominated by President George H.W. Bush in 1990. Prior to that he spent nearly 20 years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Tucson, having served as the U.S. attorney from 1985 to 1990.
‘Staggering’ increase in filings
Since 1999, criminal case filings increased in Arizona by 80 percent, and civil cases are up by 59 percent. Much of what he calls “a staggering increase” in criminal cases is border related. Primarily they involve illegal immigration, especially those who re-enter the United States after being deported with a criminal record, and the smuggling of drugs, people and other contraband. The increases in the civil caseload are due mainly to population growth.
Judge McNamee also saw the number of judges increase in 1999 and 2000 to 13 from eight, and the number of magistrate judges rose to 12 from eight and a part-time position.
Regarding electronic filing, Judge McNamee recalls, “Under the old system you would walk to the courthouse to file documents that were put in an old electronic base.” The new system is more comprehensive and goes by the acronym of CM/ECF for Case Management/Electronic Case Filing.
“Our clerk of the court and our IT people have worked very hard to make the transition into this national program,” he says. “We are even farther ahead than several other districts.”
Judge McNamee credits other judges with upgrading the Local Rules Committee to keep pace with modifications and major changes. “I’m just sort of a shepherd,” he says.
He says it has been an honor to have served as U.S. attorney and as a federal judge. “I am so grateful to have had these two extraordinary opportunities,” he says.
Comparing the two roles, Judge McNamee says the responsibilities are quite different. “In one area you’re in charge of prosecutions and investigations, and you are the civil representative of government agencies,” he says. “Here you’re at the completion or trial stage, ensuring that rights and interests of people are protected through the judicial process.”
He grew up in Cincinnati, received an undergraduate degree from the University of Cincinnati and a master’s and law degree from the University of Arizona. He and his wife Elizabeth have a daughter Maureen.
“When you come through Arizona and you see it, it keeps you here,” Judge McNamee says. “It’s a beautiful state and it offered me a wonderful opportunity.”
He confesses to being “a very poor golfer,” and adds, “During the past seven years as chief judge almost all of my activities were associated with court business. It keeps you constantly in motion.”