Municipal Court Judicial Appointments
At a glance
- City Council appointed Hutchison and Mulleneaux as Phoenix Municipal Court judges for four-year terms expiring November 19, 2029
- Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee unanimously recommended both after interviews
- Hernandez questioned judicial reform priorities and whether court tracks racial outcome data
- Chief Presiding Judge stated court does not collect racial outcome data
- Passed unanimously 9-0
Background
Judicial Selection Advisory Board (JSAB) recommended seven candidates on September 29, 2025 for interviews by Public Safety and Justice Subcommittee. After interviews and public comment on November 5, 2025, Subcommittee unanimously recommended Hutchison and Mulleneaux for appointment.
Appointee Backgrounds
Mulleneaux
- Current prosecutor with City Court
- Spoke about career experience before joining City Court
- Career shaped and transformed way she approaches cases
Hutchison
- City prosecutor for decade
- Currently on bench for past eight years
- Career shaped and transformed way he approaches cases
Judicial Reform Vision
Mulleneaux
Advocated for expanded specialized courts beyond current offerings. Believed need for more accessibility through additional specialized courts:
- Currently: Veterans Court, Mental Health Court
- Proposed additions: Spanish-speaking court, DUI court, domestic violence court
- Would allow community to be better assisted
Hutchison
Emphasized citizens need access to justice and must feel they have access. Advocated for:
- Video hearings for civil traffic cases and parking tickets
- Service started during COVID and continues to be offered
- Making justice accessible in practical ways
Council Discussion
Hernandez asked nominees how prosecution careers would shape court direction. She congratulated them on nomination and subcommittee recommendation.
Judicial Reform Questions
Hernandez asked what reforms nominees wished to see in Phoenix Municipal Court system. Nominees responded as outlined above.
Racial Equity and Data
Hernandez stated Arizona court system has trend of racial discrimination. Asked whether Phoenix Municipal Court produces racial outcome reports.
City Manager Ed Zuercher deferred to Chief Presiding Judge Taylor.
Chief Presiding Judge Taylor responded: Municipal Court unable to produce report breaking down results by race. Court does not examine this data nor keep it for any reason.
Hernandez asked whether Chief Judge would be open to conversations. Expressed desire to ensure courts function in equitable way and share that with community.
Chief Presiding Judge Taylor: Answered yes to conversation.
Mayor Gallego: Stated Phoenix Municipal Court system worked very hard on reforms and spoke about particular examples of work with Chief Judge Taylor. Congratulated appointees.
Decision
Passed 9-0 on November 19, 2025.
Yes (9): Guardado, Hernandez, Hodge Washington, Pastor, Robinson, Stark, Waring, O'Brien, Gallego
No: 0
Log
2025-11-19 - City Council
- Item 2: Appointment of Municipal Court Judges - Hutchison and Mulleneaux approved 9-0