Judge Michael Allphin is an experienced judge who scores consistent with the average of his district court peers in all survey categories. Survey respondents choose 92% positive adjectives from a list to describe him, frequently characterizing him as attentive, intelligent, and knowledgeable. Survey respondents and courtroom observers agree that Judge Allphin demonstrates efficiency and good preparation, and that he respects attorney input from both sides. As a group, however, courtroom observers are mixed in their evaluations of Judge Allphin. While acknowledging that Judge Allphin gives participants the opportunity to speak, most observers report that the judge’s impersonal and somewhat intimidating demeanor seems to discourage people from actually speaking up. Several observers expressed discomfort at the prospect of appearing before him. Nonetheless, Judge Allphin enjoyed strong support from survey respondents, with 97% of those answering the retention question recommending that he be retained.
The commission reviewed surveys and courtroom observation reports in addition to verifying that Judge Allphin has met all time standards, judicial education requirements, and discipline standards established by the judicial branch.
Judge Michael G. Allphin was appointed by Gov. Michael O. Leavitt to the Second District Court in 1995. Judge Allphin earned his law degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law and thereafter practiced law with the firm of Boyack, Allphin & Hansen. From 1988-89, he served as the State District Court Administrator, guiding the District Court transition from county-operated to state-operated courts. In 1989, he was appointed as a District Court Commissioner and later served as chair of the Executive Committee of Court Commissioners. Judge Allphin served as a member of the Board of District Court Judges and also as chair of that board. In addition, he has served as Associate Presiding Judge and Presiding Judge of the Second District Court.