"The Robing Room: WI State Judges

Hon. Mark J. McGinnis	See Rating Details
Circuit Court Judge Circuit Court
Outagamie County Eighth Circuit	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 5.2 - 9 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 5.0 - 25 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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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)

Comments

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What others have said about Hon. Mark J. McGinnis

Comments

Litigant

Comment #: WI547
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I cant believe Mr. McGinnis is even allowed to serve in our beautiful cummunity. I went before him this September 16th for a Guardenship Case ware it involved my mother being overmedicated along with other fraudulent behavior at a local CBRF facility. When I hired an Attorney to investigate the owner of the facility used Outagamie Co. APS as muscle to file a fraudulent Guardianship petition. When my Attorney and I showed up for court Mr. McGinnis did not waste any time with rude behavior, demoralizing attitude, and power trip power hungry behavior. I really got the impression that Mr. McGinnis and buddy the DA already knew how they were going to rule even before court. Mr.McGinnis single handedly tore my mother away from me with no Legal merrit and ordered Corporate guardeship after only hearing 10% of the whole case. This guy is whacked out and has serious mental health issues everbody I talk to about this hack Judge has nothing good to say and judging from his ratings on the internet and the very controversial rulings he has made, leaves me to believe I"m not the only one in this cummunity that feels Mr. McGinnis Abuses his power. Mr. McGinnis is not fit to serve the people. Remember one thing people when Mr. McGinnis term is over in August of 2023 vote this chump out!!

Court Staff

Comment #: WI538
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge McGinnis is a fantastic judge. He is fair, humble, impartial, and passionate. He takes time to meet with the public every month to discuss the Judicial system. He is a leader teaching judges in Wisconsin and throughout the country. He provides fairness in the courtroom and is always willing to listen to all sides of a case, follow the law, and make fair and common sense decisions.

Other

Comment #: WI537
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The worst judge ever this guy is extremely rude,he is big bully power hungry evil man.This sorry excuse of a judge has compassion at all. he cuts you off in mid sentence does not give you and your Attorney an opportunity at all to present any testimony as it relates to your defense nor does allow any witnesses to testify.It really seems judge McGinnis is on the same side of the DAs office or any Guardian at Litem as is so blatant about it.My poor mother was victim of elder abuse by over medicating her to the point ware my mother was a fall risk and received several injuries as well as being negotiated. Long story short my attorney and I had great defense along with supporting documents.However because this clown of judge didn't give us chance to hear our side of the story and literally only heard 10% of our case he stripped my POA rights with absolutely no legal merrit and ordered my mother to protective placement and now i cant ever see mother hug n kiss ever again.All because I was advocating for my mom against nursing home abuse and neglect. keep 1 thing in mind all these judges,the DAs office,guardian at Litem, and APS play golf at same country club.This all about money they took my mother away from me so the system could dig their hooks into my mothers estate.How else do you think all these government agencies get funded.Even judge McGinnis stopped court proceedings to brag with his buddy the DA about how many guardianship cases they do a weekly basis. Think people Outagamie Co. is not big how guardianship cases can you do. That should tell you something.Judging by a ton of negative reviews on this clown of judge some people actually sued this judge. Im seriously considering litigation myself. I hope you rott in hell judge McGinnis for taking my mother away from me!

Litigant

Comment #: WI528
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge McGinnis is a dedicated, intelligent, and passionate judge. We are fortunate to have him on the bench. He is fair and shows compassion. He expects professionalism and honesty and holds everyone accountability.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WI527
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge McGuiness is a bully, sexist and abuses his power. Outagamie County should be disgusted with themselves for not removing him.

Other

Comment #: WI523
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
At-will employment laws were enacted to empower employers to keep employees intimidated by job insecurity. The only upside was that it leaves employees free to quit without notice. This case should have been dismissed right off the bat. At-will employment laws were passed to crush 'communist' unions. How is preventing at-will employees from leaving a job for another not even more 'communist'?

Other

Comment #: WI522
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Please get rid of this poor example of an American. He is a terrible person and does not deserve to be a judge. Terrible decisions being made. We need honorable Americans in that seat not this man.

Other

Comment #: WI509
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Needs to learn what "at-will" means. Any employee forced to go back to ThedaCare by a court injunction should also be provided a lifetime guarantee of employment if they choose it. If employees can't leave at will, neither should the company be able to fire them at will.

Other

Comment #: WI508
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Don't be fooled by the 10 star reports. They're made by the company that filed the injunction mentioned here: https://www.reddit.com/r/medicine/comments/sbue34/judge_orders_ascension_to_provide_one_rad_tech/

Other

Comment #: WI502
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge McGinnis is a fair judge with great integrity. Sounds like he made a “temporary” ruling until the parties have an opportunity to litigate the issue. The “temporary” ruling was to prohibit the defendant from engaging in a practice - not the employees since they are not parties to the action.

Other

Comment #: WI501
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge McGInnis filed an injunction to stop at will employees at Thedacare from taking better positions at Ascension Northeast.

Employers don't have the right to make people work for them. They are a business and if they can't compete for the talent, then they go out of business. That's how healthcare works in this capitalist hellscape of a system.

Saying it only works for employers but not employees is tantamount to bringing indentured servitude back, and this Judge should be defrocked for even entertaining this idea.

This issue should have no place in the court and the case should be dismissed.

Other

Comment #: WI500
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Gave a ruling which enforced servitude on at-will employees, should be disbarred for such an injustice.

Other

Comment #: WI495
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Thank you Judge McGinnis for another great Brown Bag lunch program with the public. You provide thoughtful and relevant information each month. It is awesome that you make yourself available to the public, you are humble, and you allow all of us an opportunity to learn about the judicial system. We appreciate your transparency and the dedicated service you provide to all of us.

Other

Comment #: WI482
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Cannot believe this man has been left to preside over the delicate nature of another person's life. The county of outagamie in Appleton Wisconsin should be ashamed to call him an employee of their community. If zero were an option I wouldn't even give him that.
He has been sued multiple times and keeps getting away with hiding behind his given protection as a judge. There has to be a way to remove this man from his position of power and give the future family communities of Appleton a fighting chance.

Litigant

Comment #: WI476
Rating:8.0

Comments:
scary as it gets when your in front of him but I believe him to be fare and willing to give u a chance he could have sent me to prison but he did not not even though the da was asking for prison and gave me the chance it's up to everyone to do with that chance what they will but mess that chance up with him not easily forgotten he remembers everything he's said and you have said to him do what is asked of him witch is in your best interest anyway you won't have a problem and like I said at the beginning scary as shit to be sitting in front of him FYI don't interrupt him when he speaks overall. and don't lie it'll only make it worse he is not dumb by any means but fair man when looked at without bias due to the situation you find yourself in.and in conclusiont I can personally respect judge McGinnis and I believe for better or worse that I will be able to look back years from now and understand the chances he gave me and hopefully years from now I will be free and not regretting missed opportunities given by him only I can control that

Other

Comment #: WI463
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Have learned a great deal from Judge McGinnis with his Brown bag sessions for the public to come in and learn more about our legal system. Shows he truly cares about our community.

Court Staff

Comment #: WI461
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Outstanding judge. Outagamie County and the State of Wisconsin are very fortunate. Dedicated and intelligent judge with high integrity.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WI460
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Worst judge in History and should be disbarred for his unconstitutional actions!!!! Satan at his BEST!!!!

Other

Comment #: WI459
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge McGinnis is an exceptional judge. For 15 years, he has been fair, firm, and compassionate. He holds attorneys, witnesses, and parties accountable - and does it in a way that administers justice and provides for best results. He is a judicial scholar that is highly regarded by the Wisconsin judiciary and judges throughout the country. He continues to serve as a Dean for the Wisconsin Judicial College, and he has been a long time faculty member at the National Judicial College in Reno Nevada and the National Computer Forensics Institute in Hoover Alabama. He educates and leads Judicial education programs for judges in all 50 states.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WI458
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Correction on previous comment#:W1457.
I am not a lawyer.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WI457
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I came to this page because I have concerns about Judge McGinnis. I live in the community in which he is a judge. I want you to take notice of the ratings in the comments section. Doesn't it seem strange that there are virtually no middle ground ratings? Either very low or 10 stars. That should tell you something!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WI409
Rating:2.8

Comments:
Power hungry, will ask questions and then continually interrupt you when you try to give your answer to tell you how you should be answering. Won't let anyone defend themselves after they're accused of something. Very unreasonable.

Other

Comment #: WI385
Rating:1.0

Comments:
WORST JUDGE EVER!
Doesn't listen, doesn't let anyone talk or defend.
He seemed like he was just wanted to leave and was falling asleep.
He didn't not understand the case. And he said there was no proof of finished treatment, but there was, which shows he did not read the papers or know about the case. Overall he was a beyond terrible judge and I hope he gets kicked out!

Other

Comment #: WI360
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge McGinnis is one of our FINEST. He is VERY honest, fair, and wise. What I admire most is his ability to see through all of the manipulation folks try to pull in his courtroom. :) He is blunt & tells it like it is without coddling people. So with that said, when you read the awful comments about Judge McGinnis I'm sure those folks were NOT happy with not being able to manipulate him OR the outcome of their case. He DOES care very much about children & their welfare. He also is NOT prejudice as some folks have said on here. Again, probably sore losers. Also I give kudos to Judge McGinnis for staying true to what he believes in & NOT kissing the butts of local politicians & other influential people of the valley. :) THANK YOU Judge McGinnis & keep up the FANTISTIC work. :)

Court Staff

Comment #: WI349
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge McGinnis is an exceptional teacher of judges and other professionals throughout the country. He is on the National Judicial College's Faculty, the Wisconsin Judicial College's Faculty, the faculty at the National Computer Forensics Institute, and provides current legal training to legal professionals from all 50 states. He is always prepared, relevant, intellectual, and informative. What a great asset to the judiciary.

Other

Comment #: WI342
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He is power hungry and doesn't care about the best interest of the children will rule in favor of abusuve parents.

Other

Comment #: WI341
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge McGinnis has been the judge involved in truancy court duringthe last six school years in the Appleton area school District. He helped start the truancy court and has been a leader of that program for six years. He works with habitually truant students at four high schools and for middle schools in Appleton. He is hard-working, passionate, compassionate, intelligent, innovative, and supportive of education. He is fair. Judge McGinnis holds students accountable and makes sure they understand the law and that they follow the law. The habitual truancy rates have decreased by more than 67% since the start of truancy court. Judge McGinnis has been very helpful in assisting troubled students and setting reasonable expectations for students to attend school and do their best. Hundreds of students benefit from Judge McGinnis and the truancy court each year. He is terrific!!

Other

Comment #: WI340
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge is bias against young people/children. He does not recognize a victim or someone being taken advantage of . He treats a victim as someone who is dumb and uneducated.

Court Staff

Comment #: WI308
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge McGinnis is firm, but very fair. He expects attorneys and parties to be prepared. Judge McGinnis is always prepared. Judge McGinnis is very good at holding parties and attorneys accountable, and in making sure the community is protected. He is, in every respect, an outstanding judge.

Other

Comment #: WI305
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The poster boy for all that is wrong with our court system. He is condescending, bullying, righteous, humiliating, and power-tripping -- a disgrace to the robe.

Court Staff

Comment #: WI302
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This is an outstanding judge! He is practical, fair, intelligent, and an asset to the judicial system.

Other

Comment #: WI301
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I have observed Judge McGinnis and many other judges in northeast Wisconsin. He is exceptionally intelligent, extremely passionate, and very fair. He holds individuals accountable in a manner that improves the individual, protects the community, and enhances the overall integrity of the legal system. He is a great judge!

Other

Comment #: WI300
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge is a disgusting man, and very much a bully. He is extremely biased against kids and minorities, and will start yelling and bullying as soon as they walk into the courtroom. If he decides that he doesn't like you, don't expect to get a chance to speak. If you do speak, expect to be thrown in jail for a day or two. The moment that he realizes a person doesn't entirely understand their rights in the courtroom, he will violate them up and down. He does not deserve to be a judge. He is unethical, unfair, biased, and just an all-around terrible person.

Court Staff

Comment #: WI297
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge McGinnis did an outstanding job presiding over my trial. He is intelligent, was prepared, is a great listener and is extremely fair. He is what every judge should be: impartial, intelligent, scholarly, and compassionate.

Other

Comment #: WI287
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Judge McGinnis is professional, prepared, intelligent and fair. He holds attorneys, litigants, witnesses, and parties accountable. He listens extremely well and is very efficient.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: WI254
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Strong, intelligent, and very professional judge. The first one that I meet with these characteristics.
I am very pleased with everything that happened while in the court room.

Litigant

Comment #: WI198
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Great judge. Very intelligent and professional.

Other

Comment #: WI191
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Extremely cruel and power hungry. I am on permanent Disability. My Atty told him this. His EXACT words "I DON'T CARE"!!!

I had a D.C. that should not have gone to me. He smiles, excuses the Jury, then SCREAMS at me, gets visibly Mad... Gives me 5 Days Jail, 100 Hours Community Service (TO A DISABLED MAN), fine & Court $430, Lawyer $4000....ALL over accidentally breaking a $35 Stove Plate THAT I OWNED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Talk about a TRUE let down of the Justice system!!!!! I was denied my Medication in Jail, Sworn at constantly, treated like I "KILLED" someone!!!

HE HONESTLY NEEDS TO BE WATCHED.....I AM STRONGLY THINKING ABOUT SUING.....

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WI186
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Update on Case #11CV841 - There is enough evidence against Judge Mark J. McGinnis that there will be a trial.

Other

Comment #: WI185
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I thought you might be interested that there is pending litigation against Judge McGinnis (Case # 11CV841 filed May 19, 2011).

Other

Comment #: WI168
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Great judge. Exhibits intellect and scholarship. Holds all attorneys accountable to be professional. Holds parties responsible.

Litigant

Comment #: WI156
Rating:4.0

Comments:
Judge Mcginis exibits no ethical or unbias position in either his profession or personal decisions....he needs to be debenched and sent back to law school...isn't ethics a required course??

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WI153
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The single most racist judge on the face of the earth! If you're brown, you're goin down! A bully that judges children for a living and derives great pleasure out of humiliating anyone that questions him or his emperical tactics.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: WI135
Rating:10.0

Comments:
He is a very fair judge. Works hard, shows compassion, demands professionalism, and holds people responsible. Great courtroom demeanor.

Other

Comment #: WI131
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge is despicable. Needs to be removed from his position. Does not have honor to be a judge.

Other

Comment #: WI129
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I have seen this judge work on many cases with different types of people. He is fair, honest, and passionate. He listens and seems very genuine.

Other

Comment #: WI126
Rating:3.0

Comments:
This judge seems to do nothing but talk down every other person he speaks with. Saying stuff that is not only demoralizing, but is almost outrageous.
It's almost like this guy doesn't really realize that being so harsh to people can actually be worse for that person's life in the long-run as well as have a negative effect on people close by, including the community!