Honorees

Hon. Thomas Graham Duffy

1927-2011

Judge Duffy, a long-time resident of East County, was a graduate of Grossmont High School, San Diego State University and Hastings College of Law.  He served as City Attorney for the City of El Cajon while in private practice.  He was appointed to the El Cajon Municipal Court in 1967 by Governor Ronald Reagan and to the Superior Court in 1980 by Governor Jerry Brown.  He served with enthusiasm and commitment and was Presiding Judge of both courts.

While an El Cajon Municipal Court Judge he engaged with the Supervising Deputy District Attorney to create a diversion and education program for young persons arrested for petty theft-shoplifting.  This coordination also produced a “drunk driving” program for first time offenders which included deferred prosecution based upon alcohol treatment and awareness programs, commitment to 90 AA meetings in 90 days all prior to the State’s enactment of “SB-38”.  The efforts in dealing with alcohol related offenses led to pre-sentencing screenings and programs that touched not only the offenders but those of their families.

Ever the innovator, Judge Duffy encouraged the early disposition of criminal cases both prior to and after the preliminary examination.  The success of this program, again in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office, led to the court coordination demonstration known as the “El Cajon Experiment.”  The success of this effort led to the ultimate unification of the Municipal and Superior Courts statewide.

Judge Duffy was a tireless worker and an innovator.  He had a complete honesty and good-heartedness about him which complimented his dedication to an efficient and fair system of justice.

One anecdote:  On request of defense counsel Judge Duffy permitted the defendant to sit in the audience to test the ability of the witness to identify the suspect.  When asked to identify the suspect the witness said that she could do so, it was the one man in the back with his hand raised.

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