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George Gallagher Biography – George Gallagher Wiki
George Gallagher serves as the presiding judge for the 396th Judicial District Court in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. His tenure on the bench began with his election on November 7, 2000. Prior to assuming this role, Gallagher was a partner at the law firm Zachry, Hill, Beatty, Butcher & Gallagher. His legal career also includes experience as an assistant district attorney in the Tarrant County District Attorney’s Office.
Gallagher’s academic journey includes earning a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University, followed by a Juris Doctor from St. Mary’s University School of Law in 1982. He holds a Board Certification in Criminal Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, underscoring his expertise in the field.
Beyond his judicial duties, Judge Gallagher is actively involved in the legal community. He is a member of the Tarrant County Bar Association, the Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and the Eldon B. Mahon American Inn of Court. Politically, he is affiliated with the Republican Party.
Controversy
In 2016, Judge Gallagher was at the center of a high-profile case, presiding over the trial of State of Texas v. Terry Lee Morris. Due to Morris’ disruptive actions during pretrial hearings, the bailiffs recommended the use of a stun cuff on Morris’ ankle throughout the trial. Judge Gallagher authorized the activation of the stun cuff three times during proceedings.
The case took a significant turn upon appeal when the El Paso Court of Appeals overturned Morris’ conviction. The court determined that the activation of the stun cuff was not justified by legitimate security concerns, raising serious constitutional questions. Consequently, the appellate court vacated the conviction and mandated a retrial, citing fundamental issues with the original trial’s adherence to constitutional standards.
The Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct determined the Honorable George Gallagher should be publicly warned for engaging in willful conduct that cast public discredit upon the judiciary and the administration of justice in violation of Article V, Section 1-a(6)(A) of the Texas Constitution, when he ordered the activation of Mr. Morris’ stun cuff which resulted in injury to Mr. Morris and his absence from the remainder of the guilt-innocence phase of his own criminal trial.