Judge Doug Martin
Courtesy
Circuit Judge Doug Martin announced he will run for the open Division 1 position in the 4th Judicial District, which includes Washington and Madison counties.
Martin, 44, is serving as Division 2 Circuit Judge through Dec. 31, a position he was appointed to after Judge Kim Smith retired in January. He may not run for that position, but instead seeks the Division 1 seat currently held by Judge William Storey, who recently announced his candidacy for Fayetteville District Judge.
Martin previously served as Circuit Judge for Washington and Madison Counties in 2009 and 2010, presiding over more than 2,000 cases, including civil, criminal, family and probate cases. He also served on the Arkansas Court of Appeals from 2011 through 2012. While an Appeals Court Judge, Martin wrote over 100 published opinions.
“The judges who have presided over this circuit throughout my life have served with honor and distinction. Their understanding of the law and their ability to apply the law fairly and respectfully has served as a guidepost throughout my career as a judge,” Martin said. “The job of circuit job requires thorough application of the law with common sense and thoughtful fairness.”
Martin has been a passionate advocate for children and families in crisis. He and his wife, Amy, served as foster parents for several children in addition to having two daughters and one son of their own.
As part of his announcement on Wednesday, Martin renewed his commitment to serve as a steadfast champion for families in Northwest Arkansas. “Seeing families come before the court that are in absolute crisis is a reminder each day of the direct impact a circuit court has on the litigants and the people of this community,” Martin said. “Amy and I became foster parents because we could no longer stand on the sidelines and watch as our community’s children’s lives were damaged. The experience certainly made me a better person and a better father. I ask for the support of the voters of Washington and Madison Counties to allow me the opportunity to continue to work for the children of our community.”
A Washington County native, Martin is a graduate of Fayetteville High School, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Arkansas School of Law. Martin is the son of Myrna Martin and the late F.H. Martin, Jr.
