Charles Hayden, Philadelphia Municipal Court judge. Courtesy photo

Charles Hayden, Philadelphia Municipal Court judge

Judge Hayden is a shining example a jurist's commitment to the courts, justice and society. His life's work demonstrate that commitment and the zeal with which he has inspired the diverse constituencies of Philadelphia and beyond.

Hayden was elected to the Philadelphia Municipal Court in 2009. In May 2022, he was appointed to the Philadelphia Bar Association's commission on judicial selection and retention. In 2021, he was nominated by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and selected for a national initiative—the Blueprint for Racial Justice—to work toward improving racial justice, equity, and inclusion in the justice system.

How did you remain effective in light of all the challenges the legal field faced this year?