---
title: "John E Sparks | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-e-sparks-10258"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# John E Sparks

Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces · U.S. Circuit Judge

## Profile

- Court: Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces
- State: National federal courts
- Role: U.S. Circuit Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Biography

### Professional career

- Judge, Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, 2016-present
- Judge Sparks continues to serve on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces, with his term set to expire in 2031
- held the role of a Marine Corps infantry officer (1976–1986)
- John Edward Sparks Jr. is an American lawyer and former Marine Corps officer who currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF)
- Later held a position as Special Assistant to the Secretary of Agriculture and Principal Deputy General Counsel of the Navy
- Serves on a five‐judge civilian court reviewing military criminal appeals

### Education

- University of Connecticut School of Law in — J.D. (1986)
- Graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy (BS, 1976).
- Enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1971; later attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School.

### Additional information

- His 15‐year term runs until July 31, 2031.
- Assumed office April 8–19, 2016 (dates vary by source).
- Nominated to CAAF on July 30, 2015; confirmed April 5, 2016 by voice vote.
- Commissioner to the Chief Judge of CAAF (2000–2016).
- held the role of Deputy Legal Advisor at the National Security Council (1996–1998).
- Born August 15, 1953.
- Became a Marine Corps judge advocate after completing law school.
- Held roles including military defense counsel, prosecutor, and military judge.
- Born in La Rochelle, France; raised in Mount Holly, New Jersey.

## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/10258/john-e-sparks/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/10258/john-e-sparks/)
- [Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/10258/john-e-sparks/)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/10258/john-e-sparks/)

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## Published courtroom rules

### Shared court rules

- [Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces — hearing notice](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-12c9dc2d4cb2c9bece48bc93) — CAAF only; compilation amended through May 29, 2026. Court may order otherwise; not applicable to ordinary federal circuits. Shared baseline only, not a judge-specific preference or complete local rules inventory. Apply source exceptions, case-type limits, later amendments and case orders. [Official source](https://www.armfor.uscourts.gov/library/Rules/Rules2026MayAmendedThrough29May2026.pdf). Collected 2026-10-27.