---
title: "John E. Franklin | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-e-franklin-va-spotsylvania-juvenile-and-domestic-relations-district-court"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-26"
---

# John E. Franklin

Spotsylvania Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court · Judge

## Profile

- Court: Spotsylvania Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
- State: Virginia
- Role: 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

### cell phones and electronic devices

Scope: statewide

Virginia courts commonly restrict cell phones and other electronic devices in court buildings; counsel and litigants should check the local court policy before arrival.

Evidence excerpt: Most courts in Virginia do not allow you to bring a cell phone or other electronic device into the building.

[Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Official roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia official judicial roster](https://www.vacourts.gov/static/directories/judges_rule115.pdf)
- [Cell Phone & Electronic Device Policy](https://selfhelp.vacourts.gov/node/30/cell-phone-electronic-device-policy)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- John E. Franklin is a judge of the 15th Judicial District Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court in Virginia, elected by the Virginia General Assembly on February 25, 2015, and re‐elected in 2021 for a six‐year term ending in 2027
- Also listed as Presiding Judge for the Spotsylvania Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court
- His official judicial roster is maintained by the Office of the Executive Secretary, Supreme Court of Virginia

### Education


### Additional information

- Franklin’s initial term began in 2015, and he was re‐elected in 2021 to serve until 2027.
- Before his judicial appointment, Franklin was an attorney in private practice in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
- Judge Franklin’s work involves matters related to juvenile justice, domestic relations, and family law within his district’s jurisdiction.
- His election to the bench was by the Virginia General Assembly, following the state’s judicial selection process.
- Judge Franklin presides over the 15th Judicial District Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court, which covers multiple Virginia counties including Fredericksburg and Caroline, Essex, Hanover, King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland.