Community Involvement – The Website of Judge Brandon Birmingham

A Day for Justice: International Wrongful Conviction Day

Every step of our legal system must be anchored in truth, fairness, and accountability. On Friday, October 2, 2026, I am honored to join fellow judges, legal professionals, investigators, and advocates for “A Day for Justice: A Wrongful Conviction Day,” hosted at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Sponsored by exoneree Christopher Scott, his organization House of Renewed Hope, and the UTA Criminal Justice Department, this event brings together voices across the entire spectrum of our justice system to examine the root causes of wrongful convictions and explore how we can work together to ensure equal justice under law.

I will be taking part in Panel 1: Judges (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM) alongside Judge Stephanie Huff and Judge Shequitta Kelly. Our discussion, Perspective From the Bench: A Conversation on Fairness, Accountability, and the Role of the Courts in Justice, will focus on the bench’s responsibility in maintaining procedural integrity, ensuring evidentiary rigor, and guarding against miscarriages of justice.

Event Details:

Date & Time: Friday, October 2, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: University of Texas at Arlington – Maverick Activity Center (MAC), Multi-Purpose Room 133 (500 W Nedderman Dr, Arlington, TX 76013)
Admission: Free and Open to the Public

Ensuring that every story is heard and that justice is never denied requires continuous commitment from all of us in the legal community. I encourage students, legal practitioners, and community members to attend.

A Note of Gratitude for Another Term and 2021 Update

It’s official: Judge Birmingham is unopposed for re-election thus securing his third term. “Thank you for allowing me to continue to serve as the Presiding Judge of the 292nd. It is an honor of a lifetime, and I have each of you to thank. I also want to thank my amazing staff: Jessica Esparza, Kelly Simmons, Deputy Martin, Deputy Crumb, Carol Sanders, and Melissa Burke. I also want to thank the talented and hard-working lawyers I get to practice with and learn from each day.” Judge Birmingham’s third term begins January 1st, 2023.

In the meantime, we’ll share a few highlights from 2021: 1) An in-depth study of Judge Birmingham’s AIM Court, 2) a statistical breakdown of the 98 jury trials over which he has presided, and 3) three of his academic projects.

Gratitude and Promise in a Felony District Court

In 2017, I had the distinct honor of taking over the Felony Domestic Violence Court (“FDV Court”). I am proud to work with a dynamic team of prosecutors, public defenders, treatment providers, community stakeholders, and case managers. The team is extraordinary, each member uniquely passionate about their role. We meet every Monday morning, discussing each participant’s progress and compliance. We all work together to accomplish the mission of the court: to keep victims safe, and end the cycle of intimate partner domestic violence.

Today was graduation day, my favorite. We added 4 graduates to the growing list of 90 who have successfully completed the demanding curriculum.

I Now Pronounce You Husband and Wife

By the authority vested in me by the Great State of Texas, I now pronounce you husband and wife. It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you for the very first time Mr. and Mrs. Lamar Jones!

3 Ways COVID-19 Makes the Criminal Courts Better

The rules in place to help end the COVID-19 pandemic have had profound impacts on our lives. We’ve learned new words and phrases like “shelter in place” and “social distancing.” Businesses are closed causing many to lose their jobs. Restaurants are fighting for survival selling take-out, and retail shops are drying up. While the extent of the exact damage is nearly impossible to predict, we are surrounded by constant reminders that our economy is in significant distress.

Victory Demands Unity

Sport unifies powerfully. Hustle and effort are admired and revered. Cheating is abhorred. The rules apply the same to everyone. We don’t care where our teammates came from, what they believe, or what they stand for because we stand together. Jerseys make skin color invisible. We stand united against attack. We cheer. We applaud. We pick up the fallen. We encourage the mistaken. We all feel the sting of defeat.
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National Day of Empathy

March 5th, 2019 is the National Day of Empathy. This national day was founded by Van Jones, CNN political commentator. Prepare Academy and Attachment Leadership have partnered with Van Jones’ organization, Cut50, to host a Dallas, Texas event in conjunction with all 50 states + Washington, D.C.

We will all participate to increase awareness and empathy for those impacted by the criminal justice system.

New Dallas County program helps young felons get a new start

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

DALLAS (AP) – Johnathan Monroe has a dream.The Dallas Morning News (https://bit.ly/21cj3F0 ) reports it starts with getting his associate degree in business administration from El Centro Community College. A bachelor’s degree in marketing from a local university follows. And then one day, after years of paying dues and saving his money, he envisions opening his own advertising firm.“Working for other people is fine,” said Monroe, 18. “But I want to be my own boss. When it’s your business, you’re getting out everything you put into it. Read More

Texas judges, district clerks reflect on importance of jury service

By Jillian Beck

As Texas celebrates its inaugural Jury Appreciation Week, we asked judges and district clerks across the state to describe why they believe jury service is important.