Born in Austin, Nevada, Murphy received an Artium Baccalaureus degree from Santa Clara University in 1927.
He was a Professor of Law and Public Speaking for Santa Clara University from 1928 to 1932.
He was in private practice of law in San Francisco, California from 1933 to 1942.
He was a Judge of the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of California from 1945 to 1950.
[1] Murphy was nominated by President Harry S. Truman on December 4, 1950, to the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, to a new seat created by 63 Stat.