---
title: "Mary Pat Thynge | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/mary-pat-thynge-9139"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-10-07"
---

# Mary Pat Thynge

U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware · Magistrate

## Profile

- Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware
- State: Delaware
- Role: Magistrate
- Service status: former
- Last verified: 2026-06-30

## Summary

Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge.

## Biography

### Professional career

- Long‐serving federal judge and the Chief Magistrate Judge of the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, serving from June 17, 1992 until her retirement on March 31, 2023
- Joined the court in 1992 after 16 years in private legal practice.
- Her tenure spanned over 30 years, making her the longest‐serving U.S. Magistrate Judge in the history of the District of Delaware

### Education

- Ohio Northern University — J.D.

### Additional information

- Magistrate, District Court, D. Delaware, 1992-present
- She held that political affiliation could not be a disqualifying factor for judicial appointments, and the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals upheld her decision in 2019
- She first joined the court on June 17, 1992 and began her most recent eight-year term on June 17, 2016.
- Mary Pat Thynge’s career combined decades of judicial service with significant contributions to alternative dispute resolution and constitutional law.
- She held various roles, including serving as Chief Magistrate Judge for many years.
- The court celebrated her service with public recognition, noting her tireless work ethic, kindness, and sense of humor

## 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://www.courtlistener.com/person/9139/mary-pat-thynge/)
- [Official roster](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/9139/mary-pat-thynge/)
- [U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware current judicial profile](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/9139/mary-pat-thynge/)
- [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)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/9139/mary-pat-thynge/)
- [Mary Pat Thynge - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mary_Pat_Thynge)
- [Hon. Mary Pat Thynge Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge, District of Delaware](https://www.fedbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Thynge-MayJune2014_5-pgs-pdf-3.pdf)
- [www.ded.uscourts.gov](https://www.ded.uscourts.gov/magistrates)
- [CourtListener judicial biographical directory](https://www.courtlistener.com/person/9139/mary-pat-thynge/)
- [Mary Pat Thynge - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mary_Pat_Thynge)
- [Hon. Mary Pat Thynge Chief U.S. Magistrate Judge, District of Delaware](https://www.fedbar.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Thynge-MayJune2014_5-pgs-pdf-3.pdf)

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