Seamus P. McCaffrey was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, on June 3, 1950. When he was five years old, his family emigrated to the United States and specifically Philadelphia where he has made his home. Justice McCaffrey graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1968 and then joined the Marines. He spent one tour of active duty, but remained a military member for the next 40 years.
Upon his return home, McCaffrey became a Philadelphia Police Officer. During his 20 year stint, he received his BA from LaSalle University, attended Temple University’s Law School (graduated 1989), and was highly active and decorated within the force. In 1993, McCaffrey became the first former Philadelphia Police Officer to be elected as a trial judge.
McCaffrey received national recognition for creating programs such as nuisance night court, graffiti court, and “Eagles Court,” where hearings were held at Veteran’s Stadium during the football team’s home games. He was also appointed the Administrative Judge of Philadelphia’s Municipal Court (2001-2003), where he implemented programs targeted on helping juveniles, veterans, and family matters.
In 2003 McCaffrey was elected to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania. He was elected to the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in January of 2008.