About Joshua K

Joshua K. Marquis is an attorney based in Astoria, Oregon, with over four decades of experience in the legal field. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law in 1980, following a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the same institution in 1977. Admitted to the Oregon State Bar in 1981, Marquis has maintained an active membership for over 44 years, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the legal profession. From 1994 to 2018, Marquis served as the District Attorney for Clatsop County, Oregon.

During this time, he was re-elected six times, reflecting the trust and confidence of the community in his leadership. His tenure was marked by a focus on public safety and justice, as he worked to implement effective legal strategies for the county. In recognition of his expertise, the Oregon Supreme Court appointed him as a Circuit Judge Pro Tem, a role he held from October 2019 through September 2022, further showcasing his versatility within the legal system. In 2019, Marquis transitioned to the role of Director of Legal Affairs and co-chair of the National Law Enforcement Council for Animal Wellness Action. This non-profit organization is dedicated to preventing animal cruelty, aligning with Marquis's commitment to social justice and advocacy.

His involvement in this organization highlights his dedication to broader legal issues beyond traditional criminal law. Marquis has also been actively engaged in several professional organizations throughout his career. He served as President of the Oregon District Attorneys Association in 2001 and held the position of Vice President of the National District Attorneys Association from 1997 to 2019. His membership in the International Association of Prosecutors and the Animal Legal Defense Fund further illustrates his commitment to both prosecutorial excellence and animal rights advocacy. Throughout his career, Marquis has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the legal community.

In 2010, he was honored with the President's Award from the National District Attorneys Association for Outstanding Service to America's Prosecutors. Additionally, in 2006, he received the William J. Schaefer Award from the Association of Government Attorneys in Capital Litigation for his Career Advocacy in Capital Litigation. In recent years, Marquis has remained active in public service; in 2021, he testified before the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee in opposition to legislation that would have altered jury verdict requirements in criminal cases. As of 2026, he continues to engage in legal advocacy and resides in Astoria, Oregon, where he remains a respected figure in the community.

Education

University of Oregon School of Law

J.D. (1980) | Law

1977

University of Oregon

B.A. (1977) | Political Science

1970

Languages

Italian (Spoken)

Experience

Director of Legal Affairs and Law Enforcement

Animal Wellness Action
2019

District Lawyer

Clatsop County DA s Office
1994

Chief Deputy District Lawyer

Deschutes County District Lawyer
1990

Deputy DA, Chief Deputy DA

Lincoln County District Lawyers Office
1985

Special Assistant to the Lawyer General

California Department of Justice
1983

Accepted Jurisdictions

U.S. Supreme Court
Oregon
9th Circuit

Court Admissions

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit U.S. Circuit Court · Admitted 1981
Oregon Supreme Court State Supreme Court · Admitted 1994
U.S. Supreme Court U.S. Supreme Court · Admitted 2005

Types of Cases Handled

Criminal Law

Legal Services Scope

Trial Appellate

Professional Associations

National District Lawyers Association

Vice President 1997 - 2019

Oregon District Lawyer Association

President, 2001 1981 - 2018

Videos

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Josh Marquis speaks after sentencing
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Josh Marquis speaks after sentencing
DA Josh Marquis on shooting of Seaside Officer Jason Goodding
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DA Josh Marquis on shooting of Seaside Officer Jason Goodding
Capital punishment - The New Yorker Festival - The New Yorker
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Capital punishment - The New Yorker Festival - The New Yorker
Vanderbilt Law School Death Penalty Debate
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Vanderbilt Law School Death Penalty Debate