Overview
The Hon. Roderick W. Shelton is a judge for the San Diego County Superior Court in California[1]. Shelton was elected to the bench on November 7, 2006, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Joe O. Littlejohn[2].
While on the bench, Shelton's assignments have included domestic violence court, misdemeanor and felony arraignments, family law, and juvenile justice cases[3]. He later served as supervising judge for the East County Branch[3]. On September 17, 2025, Shelton was elected assistant presiding judge of the San Diego County Superior Court[4].
Educational background
Shelton earned a B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis in 1992[3]. At the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law, he completed a J.D. in 1995[3]. While at Washington University, Shelton played defensive back and earned all-conference honors[3]. He also served as captain of the football team and received the Ralph Bunche Award for academic excellence[3]. He was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1995).
Career history
After graduating from law school, Shelton began his legal career as a deputy public defender with the Office of the Public Defender of San Diego County (1995 to 1999)[3]. In 1999, he joined the Office of the District Attorney of San Diego County as a deputy district attorney[3]. During that period, Shelton served in the South Bay and East County branches and in the Gang Prosecution Unit[3]. He prosecuted serious felonies, including murders, assaults, and rapes[3].
His honors have included the Earl B. Gilliam Bar Association's Distinguished Service Award (2001).
Personal life
Born in San Jose, California, Shelton moved with his family at age two and was raised in Westchester[5]. In high school, he played football, basketball, and baseball and served as class president[5]. He became interested in law in elementary school, when he took part in a classroom mock-lawyer exercise[5]. Shelton said that he pursued a legal career to help clients, crime victims, and the people affected by judicial decisions[5].
Outside the courtroom, Shelton volunteered as a coach for a youth flag football team. His community affiliations included Bethel A.M.E. Church and its Legal Ministry. In public outreach, he encouraged students interested in law to observe court proceedings in person rather than rely on television portrayals[5].
References
[1] San Diego Superior Court — Judges S
[2] Ballotpedia — Roderick Ward Shelton
[3] National Association of Women Judges — Judge Roderick Shelton Bio
[4] The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint — Judge Roderick Shelton Another African American First
[5] San Diego City Times — San Diego Judge Encourages Students of Color to Pursue Educational Dreams at City College
