---
title: "Michael J. Faulkner | KnowJudges"
canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/michael-j-faulkner-pa-mdj-31-3-02"
page_type: "judge_profile"
updated: "2026-07-27"
---

# Michael J. Faulkner

Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 31-3-02 · Magisterial District Judge

## Profile

- Court: Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court 31-3-02
- State: Pennsylvania
- Role: Magisterial District Judge
- Service status: active
- Last verified: 2026-07-27

## 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

### recording photography evidence presentation

Scope: statewide

For Pennsylvania Common Pleas proceedings, statewide Pa.R.J.A. 1910 prohibits courtroom broadcasting, recording, and photography unless an exception or judicial authorization applies; the rule also recognizes judge-authorized electronic or photographic means for evidence presentation.

Evidence excerpt: the use of electronic or photographic means for the presentation of evidence

[201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)
Source checked: 2026-07-26


## Sources

- [Official profile](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Official roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania official judicial roster](https://www.pacourts.us/courts/minor-courts/magisterial-district-judges)
- [201 Pa. Code Chapter 19, Rule 1910, Broadcasting, Recording and Photography in the Courtroom](https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pacode?d=&file=%2Fsecure%2Fpacode%2Fdata%2F201%2Fchapter19%2Fchap19toc.html)

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## Biography

### Professional career

- Michael Faulkner serves as a Magisterial District Judge in Alburtis Borough, Lower Macungie, and Upper Macungie townships in Judicial District 31-3-02, Pennsylvania

### Education

- Bachelor of Science in criminal justice from Shippensburg University and has completed over 300 hours of continuing education to maintain judicial proficiency.

### Additional information

- He has been a resident of the district for over 30 years and was first elected to the bench in 2012, with a subsequent re-election in 2018.
- Retired as a professional handler in 1995 and transitioned to judging, now approved to judge all Sporting breeds and numerous other breeds across five of the seven AKC groups.
- Faulkner has bred and exhibited Golden Retrievers, Field Spaniels, Springer Spaniels, Pointers, and Pugs, achieving multiple Best in Show wins.
- Faulkner emphasizes evaluating dogs according to breed standards
- focusing on subtle nuances in movement, mechanics, and presentation, and mentoring new judges in Gundog breeds
- Separately, Michael Faulkner is a renowned dog show judge with decades of experience in the sport of purebred dogs.
- Began in Junior Showmanship and assisted with his family’s kennel and breeding program.
- Faulkner previously served over 20 years as an Allentown Police officer, retiring as the vice and intelligence unit commander.
- He has judged at prestigious events including the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, AKC National Championships, and international competitions.
- Faulkner credits his expertise to mentorship from prominent breeders and judges, including Peggy Grayson, and has spent decades studying Gundog breeds with leading English breeders.
- Faulkner is active in community outreach, speaking to students about legal responsibilities, drug and alcohol awareness, and judicial functions, and he also teaches at the Allentown Police Academy
- He has overseen over 100,000 cases, including landlord-tenant disputes, civil actions, criminal arrests, traffic offenses, truancy, game commission violations, and Protection From Abuse orders.