Hon. Juan Merchan See Rating Details

Supreme Court
New York County
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Attorney Average Rating:   1.8 - 2 rating(s)
Non-Attorney Average Rating:   1.0 - 1 rating(s)
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Only items marked with (*) are averaged into the displayed overall rating.


General Rating Criteria

* Temperament (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Scholarship (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Industriousness (1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
* Ability to Handle Complex Litigation (1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Punctuality (1=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters (1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge (1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling (1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)


Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation (1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail (1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions (1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage (1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage (1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage (1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)


Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation (1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions (1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination (1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)
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What others have said about Hon. Juan Merchan


Comments


Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NY13772
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I ask that all these comments about Judge Merchan be removed. These are pro-Trump instigators. We've tried many cases before his Honor and had many cases inMental Helath court with him. He is an epitome of discretion, understandng and patience. He is unassailable in the eyes of all seasoned practitioners. Simply absurd that people can make these claims re an outstanding jurist -- simply b/c he's the PJ of Donald's trial and isn't letting DJ run the show. Should this judge bend the knee to Le Gran Organge, like Aileen Cannon in Florida. Is that really what you want in a neutral and detached arbiter?

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NY13767
Rating:1.0
Comments:
Judge Merchan's courtroom is an embodiment of judicial misconduct and professional ineptitude. His demeanor is consistently marked by a profound lack of respect for all litigants, regardless of their circumstances or the gravity of their cases. His interactions are often characterized by an abrasive and condescending tone that leaves litigants feeling demeaned and undervalued. This habitual rudeness not only undermines the dignity of the court but also erodes public trust in the judicial system.

In addition to his disrespectful attitude towards litigants, Judge Merchan's treatment of counsel is equally, if not more, deplorable. His approach is far from the professionalism one would expect from a person in his position. He frequently interrupts attorneys, dismisses their arguments with unwarranted hostility, and exhibits a complete disregard for proper courtroom decorum. This unprofessional demeanor creates an adversarial and intimidating environment that hinders the fair administration of justice.

One of the most alarming aspects of Judge Merchan's conduct is his apparent lack of judicial temperament. A judge is expected to maintain composure and impartiality, yet Judge Merchan routinely fails in this regard. His frequent outbursts and erratic behavior starkly contrast with the calm and measured temperament that is a hallmark of judicial integrity. These episodes of volatility are not isolated incidents but rather a persistent pattern that has been observed and lamented by many who have had the misfortune of appearing in his court.

Furthermore, Judge Merchan has a notorious habit of yelling at courtroom attendees, often resorting to threats of contempt in an attempt to maintain control. This coercive tactic is not only inappropriate but also abusive, as it instills fear and anxiety among those present. His readiness to threaten contempt as a means of silencing or intimidating participants reflects a gross misuse of judicial authority and a fundamental misunderstanding of his role as a facilitator of justice.

Overall, Judge Merchan's behavior in the courtroom can only be described as abusive. His consistent pattern of rudeness, unprofessionalism, lack of judicial temperament, and aggressive tactics severely undermine the integrity of the judicial process. Such conduct is unacceptable for anyone holding a position of judicial authority, and it raises serious concerns about his suitability to serve as a judge. The judicial system relies on the competence and fairness of its judges, and Judge Merchan's actions are a stark deviation from these essential standards.

Other

Comment #: NY13747
Rating:1.0
Comments:
I think Judge Merchan's bank accounts should be audited. I think he already had his mind made up about Trump before the sham trial began.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NY10196
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I must say I totally agree with comment NY9967. Furthermore, either this judge has no understanding of some pretty basic principles or his prejudice against defendants clouds his ability to assess the issues, and he is reflexively suspicious of defense lawyers. He has one good quality as a trial judge, though: He does not try to defeat lawyers from making a record, which they will need when it comes time to pursue that well deserved reversal.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NY9967
Rating:2.6
Comments:
one of the worst trial judges i have ever appeared before. he professes neutrality but is heavily pro prosecution. makes his mind up about client's guilt before hearing all of the evidence and then makes rulings to make sure that a conviction results. does not let defense lawyers cross examine effectively.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: NY6158
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I've had the pleasure of watching Judge Merchan in the mental health part at 100 Centre Street. He's clearly in the right place and defendants are very fortunate to have him there. He mixes a no-nonsense approach with genuine compassion, working to help defendants get their lives together. He speaks with each defendant respectfully, listens well and keeps his eye on the prize -- getting these defendants to turn their lives around as they put their criminal difficulties behind them. His staff is superb and everyone in this part seems to understand the mission. This is a part that really helps people.