---
title: "John J. McNeilly | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-j-mcneilly-delaware"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-22"
---

# John J. McNeilly

Supreme Court of Delaware · Justice

## Profile

- Court: Supreme Court of Delaware
- State: Delaware
- Role: Justice
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-08-22

## 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

### courthouse photography recording

Scope: statewide

Delaware Judicial Branch operating procedures generally restrict courthouse photography and audio or video recording, subject to limited exceptions.

Evidence excerpt: With limited exceptions, visitors will not be allowed to take photos or record audio or video in the courthouse.

[Operating Procedures for the Delaware Judicial Branch: Facilities](https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/operating-procedures/op-facilities.aspx)
Source checked: 2026-07-30

### courtroom technology coordination

Scope: statewide

Delaware courts publish courtroom technology capabilities, but counsel should direct equipment and setup requests to the applicable court before the proceeding.

Evidence excerpt: If you wish to use any of the technology listed below, please make your request to the appropriate Court prior to trial.

[Courtroom Technology](https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/courtroomtechnology.aspx)
Source checked: 2026-07-30


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://courts.delaware.gov/supreme/history/justicespast.aspx)
- [Official roster](https://courts.delaware.gov/supreme/history/justicespast.aspx)
- [Delaware Courts official judicial roster](https://courts.delaware.gov/supreme/history/justicespast.aspx)
- [Operating Procedures for the Delaware Judicial Branch: Facilities](https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/operating-procedures/op-facilities.aspx)
- [Courtroom Technology](https://courts.delaware.gov/aoc/courtroomtechnology.aspx)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- John J. McNeilly Jr. was an American judge who served on the Delaware Supreme Court from 1974 until 1986, making him one of the court’s justices during a significant period in the state’s judicial history
- CourtListener’s profile confirms his role as a Supreme Court of Delaware judge during that period

### Education


### Additional information

- A 2001 The News Journal obituary referenced his long judicial career, underscoring his contribution to Delaware’s legal system
- Joined the Delaware Supreme Court in 1974 and served until 1986, a tenure of 12 years.
- His service came after the Delaware Supreme Court was established as a separate branch of government in 1951, and during his years on the bench, the court was handling a wide range of cases, including constitutional, civil, and commercial matters
- McNeilly’s service is noted in the Historical List of Delaware Supreme Court Justices.
- While detailed biographical information is limited in public records, his tenure is remembered as part of the court’s mid‐20th‐century history.
- While specific case law details are available through the Delaware Courts’ archives and CourtListener’s case law database, his tenure was part of the court’s broader work in shaping Delaware’s legal landscape