New Mexico Court of Appeals Judge Kristopher Houghton Takes Office
Kristopher "Kris" Houghton was sworn in as a Judge on the New Mexico Court of Appeals. The public investiture took place on Sept. 5 in Santa Fe. The judge donned a robe formerly worn by the late Supreme Court Justice Charles W. Daniels, for whom he clerked.
A Robe with History
The robe worn by Judge Houghton holds special significance as it was previously used by Justice Charles W. Daniels, a mentor figure. Randi McGinn, Justice Daniels’ widow, generously lent the robe for the investiture ceremony and was present at the event, highlighting the deep connection and respect within the New Mexico legal community.
Statements from Judge Houghton and Chief Judge Medina
In his address, Judge Houghton expressed his gratitude to Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham for the appointment. He emphasized the importance of a fair and independent judiciary: "The health of our democracy demands a fair, strong, and independent judiciary." He pledged to uphold the rule of law and deliver just decisions for the people of New Mexico.
Court of Appeals Chief Judge Jacqueline R. Medina, who administered the oath, welcomed Judge Houghton to the court, marking the beginning of his tenure.
Judge Houghton's Background and Experience
Prior to his appointment, Judge Houghton had a distinguished career. He was recommended by a bipartisan Judicial Nominating Commission to fill the vacancy left by Judge Kristina Bogardus. He clerked for Judge J. Miles Hanisee from 2011-2012 after clerking for Justice Daniels and working as a staff attorney for the Court of Appeals. Before that he served as a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) lawyer for over a decade.
During his time with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, Judge Houghton served as chief of its criminal division, overseeing numerous attorneys and staff. From 2020 to 2022, he led the Office of the Judicial Attaché in the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, playing a key role in bilateral investigations and extraditions.
Education and Military Service
Judge Houghton earned his law degree from the University of New Mexico School of Law and holds undergraduate degrees in mathematics and Spanish from California State University, San Marcos. He is also a veteran, having served as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and remaining a member of the Inactive Ready Reserve.
About the New Mexico Court of Appeals
The Court of Appeals is New Mexico's intermediate appellate court, consisting of ten judges who serve on three-judge panels. The court hears appeals in civil, non-capital criminal, and juvenile cases, as well as cases appealed from administrative agencies.