---
title: "James Dunham | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-dunham-circuit-judge-fifth-judicial-circuit-fifth-judicial-circuit-division-1-ar"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# James Dunham

Fifth Judicial Circuit · Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: Fifth Judicial Circuit
- State: Arkansas
- Role: Circuit Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-26

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Before you appear

- Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed.
- Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance.
- Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding.

## Courtroom Rules

### remote hearing platform

Scope: statewide

Arkansas Judiciary publishes electronic-hearing Zoom resources and court-user guides for remote proceedings.

Evidence excerpt: Zoom Guides for Court Users

[Arkansas Judiciary: Electronic Hearings With Zoom](https://arcourts.gov/arkansas-supreme-court-statement-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-and-courts/electronic-hearings-zoom)
Source checked: 2026-07-26

### audio recording

Scope: statewide

Arkansas Judiciary publishes state-district-court digital audio recording guidance as an official court resource.

Evidence excerpt: AOC Provisional Guidelines for Digital Audio Recording in State District Courts

[Arkansas Judiciary: District Courts](https://arcourts.gov/courts/district-courts)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://arcourts.gov/directories/circuit-judges)
- [Official roster](https://arcourts.gov/directories/circuit-judges)
- [Arkansas Judiciary official judicial roster](https://arcourts.gov/directories/circuit-judges)
- [Arkansas Judiciary: Electronic Hearings With Zoom](https://arcourts.gov/arkansas-supreme-court-statement-novel-coronavirus-outbreak-and-courts/electronic-hearings-zoom)
- [Arkansas Judiciary: District Courts](https://arcourts.gov/courts/district-courts)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge Dunham has presided over several high-profile cases in Pope County
- Judge James S. Dunham serves as a Circuit Judge in Division One of Pope County, Arkansas
- Judge Dunham has a legal career that includes extensive experience in trial court proceedings
- Ensuring compliance with state laws and procedural rules Judge Dunham’s work is integral to the administration of justice in Pope County, and he continues to serve as a key figure in the Arkansas judicial system

### Education


### Additional information

- Christopher Freeman: Involved in cases combining theft-of-public-benefits and child abuse charges, with Judge Dunham overseeing pretrial hearings and objections.
- These cases illustrate his role in handling serious criminal matters and complex legal proceedings within his jurisdiction.
- Conducting jury and bench trials
- Managing case schedules and court administration
- overseeing hearings and trials across the county and occasionally in surrounding counties as part of his jurisdiction.
- Boyd Underwood III: Facing charges including rape, child grooming, and tampering involving a minor
- Judge Dunham set trial dates and managed evidentiary motions.
- Recognized for his contributions to the Arkansas judiciary and has a professional profile detailing his legal expertise and career highlights.
- His office is located on the 3rd Floor of the Pope County Courthouse in Russellville, Arkansas at 100 West Main Street.
- Ruling on motions and evidentiary issues