---
title: "James J. Merkins | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/james-j-merkins-pa-mdj-32-2-54"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# James J. Merkins

Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 32-2-54 · Magisterial District Judge

## Profile

- Court: Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 32-2-54
- State: Pennsylvania
- Role: Magisterial District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## 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

### recording photography evidence presentation

Scope: statewide

For Pennsylvania Common Pleas proceedings, statewide Pa.R.J.A. 1910 prohibits courtroom broadcasting, recording, and photography unless an exception or judicial authorization applies; the rule also recognizes judge-authorized electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation.

Evidence excerpt: the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Official roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania official judicial roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Law clerk to Chief Justice Myron T. Steele, Supreme Court of Delaware
- Position: Magisterial District Judge, District 32‐2‐54, Delaware County, PA
- “Jim” Merkins is a Magisterial District Judge for District 32‐2‐54 in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, serving Springfield and Upper Darby Townships, and a Partner in the Litigation department at Lamb McErlane PC

### Education


### Additional information

- James J.
- He is admitted to the Supreme Courts of Pennsylvania, Delaware, and New Jersey, and to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit, as well as the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and District Courts of Delaware and New Jersey