Courthouse History

Since our beginning in 1874, the San Benito Superior Court has seen a multitude of renovations and relocations throughout its existence. Our first home was a two-story wooden structure positioned at the junction of Monterey and Fourth Street. Presiding over this courthouse was Judge John Breen, who had the distinction of being the first appointed judge in San Benito County.

The building served its purpose until a newly renovated courthouse replaced it in May 1888. This second courthouse, however, suffered structural damages due to an earthquake in 1961, leading to an immediate relocation of court proceedings to a refurbished library as a new courthouse was being constructed.

By 1963, the third courthouse was operational. This building continued to serve for over half a century.  However, in 2014, the San Benito Superior Court relocated once again, this time to a newly erected courthouse at 450 4th Street, where it remains today. Presiding over the current courthouse is the Honorable Judge Omar Rodriguez, who took the bench in 2019, Assistant Presiding Judge Honorable Patrick Palacios who took the bench in 2022, and Commissioner Page Galloway who has served since her appointment in 2022.

Tim Newman, serves as the Court Executive Officer since his appointment in January of 2023.