In 1984, Jersey City’s own Kevin G. Callahan left his successful practice as a distinguished trial lawyer to become the youngest Superior Court Judge in New Jersey. Four years later, he became the youngest Presiding Judge in Hudson County history. It did not take long for the young judge to evolve into a seasoned jurist. In a judicial career spanning more than 25 years, he spent virtually his entire tenure in the Criminal Division, where he presided over countless high-profile homicide cases. As the designated Wire Tap Judge in the county for over 20 years, he had continuous contact with Deputy Attorneys General, the State Police and Assistant Prosecutors, evincing a familiarity with law enforcement in all its forms.

Known for crafting his own jury instructions, tailoring each to the particular trial at hand, he was an obvious choice to serve on the Model Jury Charge Committee, which he did for many years. Additionally, he was part of the Capital Case Committee when New Jersey had the death penalty. He retired from the bench in 2011. 

Judge Callahan, ever proud of his Jersey City roots, is now a member of the full-time faculty at St. Peter’s University’s Criminal Justice Department. It is particularly meaningful for him, not only to continue to share his passion for the law, but also to do so in his beloved Hudson County, at his own alma mater.