---
title: "Joseph R. Slights III | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/joseph-r-slights-iii-delaware"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-08-26"
---

# Joseph R. Slights III

Delaware Court of Chancery · Judicial Officer (past members list)

## Profile

- Court: Delaware Court of Chancery
- State: Delaware
- Role: Judicial Officer (past members list)
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-08-26

## 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

### 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/chancery/judges.aspx)
- [Official roster](https://courts.delaware.gov/chancery/judges.aspx)
- [Delaware Courts official judicial roster](https://courts.delaware.gov/chancery/judges.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

- Retired American judge and corporate litigator best known for his service as Vice Chancellor of the Delaware Court of Chancery (2016–2022) and as a judge on the Delaware Superior Court (2000–2012)
- He has also held the role of adjunct professor at Widener University School of Law, Vanderbilt University School of Law, and Washington & Lee University School of Law

### Education



### Additional information

- Superior Court of Delaware (2000–2012): Appointed by Governor Tom Carper, Slights succeeded William T. Quillen.
- Instrumental in creating the Complex Commercial Litigation Division (CCLD) in 2010, a specialized business court program to handle complex commercial disputes
- He presided over a wide range of cases — from first-degree murder and patent licensing to medical malpractice, pharmaceutical liability, asbestos litigation, and insurance coverage disputes
- Slights is a member of the American Law Institute, American Bar Association, Delaware Bar Association, and American Bar Foundation, and has held the position of president of the Richard S. Rodney Inn of Court.