Maryland Courts of Today: Collaboration, Education and Innovation
An 2025 nual Report
MARYLAND COURTS OF TODAY: Collaboration, Education, and Innovation
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MARYLAND JUDICIARY
A Message from Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader
I aamnnpulaelarseepdotrot,present the Maryland Judiciary’s 2025 Maryland Courts of Today: Collaboration, Education, and Innovation . This report highlights the work of ms t roerne gtthhaenn 4i n, 0g 0a0n dJ uedxi cpiaanr dy ienmg pc ol ouyret esse wr vhi coe rseimn as iunp dp eodr ti coaft eodu rt o mission to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice for all. Ii nn k2 e0y2 5a r, et ha se , Mi nacrl uy ldai nn dg Jbuedhi ac vi ai or yr aal chhei ea vl tehd, cmi vei ac sn iendguf uc al tpi or ong r e s s and community outreach, data transparency, and expanding access to justice through both existing and new programs. The Jrue dp ircei sael nCtoaut inocni l, , pal adyi ve ed ras ev iat da vl irsool er yi nb og du yi dwi ni gt ha sntda tseuwp ipdoer ct ionugr tt h e Judiciary’s key initiatives in 2025, including:
• tBheehJauvdi oi criaalrHy ’esacl ot hl l:aAbno rOapt ipoonrwt uint hi t yt hfeo rECxeocl luatbivoeraBtrivaen cChh at on gheo;s t t h e S t a t e w i d e S u m m i t o n • tvhi sei tcso annt idn ou fi nf sgi t ee f pf orrotgs rtaomi ns csruecahs ea sc iGv ai cvse el dWuicl la Tt i roanv ea lnadncdo Mm amr uy lnaint yd oSuc throeoalcshi nt htrhoeuCg oh ucrot us ;r t r o o m •• tt hh ee ee xn ph aa nn sc ieomn eonf taonf edwa t Ma tarraynl as np da rJeundci yc i tahr ryopurgohbsl et rme a- smo ll vi ni ne dg cdoaut ar tdaavsahi bl aobal redfso ra nc dh i al dt ws uop- pd oa yr t ; • Dt haet aJ uEdxi cc ei al lreyn’ sc e2 5S uyme amr si t otfoi np nr oomv aot ti oe nt haen sdt apnr od ga rr edsi zs at thi or onuagnhdCqAuNaDl i tOy; oa fn dd a t a ; • the expansion of court access through the Bilingual Staff Pilot Program. Reflecting on 2025, it is clear that these accomplishments were made possible by the commitment, ti sa leevni td, eanntdi nd eeda iccha tmi oi nl e sotfotnhee aMc ah ri eyvl aendd. BJ uudi l idciina gr yosnt at hf fi. sTmh iosms pe inrti ut mo f , ct oh lel aJ bu od ri caitai or yn iasnwd eslhl aproesdi t pi ounrepdo st oe continue advancement of these achievements and pursue even greater opportunities in 2026.
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
The Maryland Judiciary provides fair, efficient, and effective justice for all. Tc ohuer Mt s a. Wr y el aanrde Jaund ei cf if ai cr iye na dt , vi annncoevsa jtui vset i, caen fdo ra cacl el sws hi bol ec oc mo uer tt os yMs at er my l at nh da ’ts works collaboratively with justice partners to serve the people with integrity and transparency. 1. Promote accountability and public trust. 2. Improve access to justice. 3. Foster a healthy, diverse, and productive workforce. 4. Encourage a service-oriented approach to court operations. 5. Use technology effectively and responsibly. Vision Strategic Goals Mission
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MARYLAND JUDICIARY
Table of Contents
Judicial Council and Committees Collaboration in Action: Maryland Behavioral Health Summit Judiciary Timeline LBiufeildfoinrgStTurduesnt tTshrough Education: Bringing the Courts to Spotlighting Community Outreach DI nactrae Da sai snhgbDo aa trad sT raannds pDaart ea nEcxyc Te lhl er on uc eg hS uSmt r emaimt l i n e d PImropbrloevmin-SgoClvhiinldgSCuopuprotsrt Outcomes: A Blueprint for Spotlighting District Court of Maryland
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AA nPneer sAornu-nCde enlt eCroeudnPt ya tMh et no tJaul sHt iec ae l: tTh hCeoFuirrts t Ye a r o f t h e 24 Qualified Bilingual Staff Program: Using Employees’ Language Skills to Improve Service in Maryland Courts 26 Bookmark Contest 20th Anniversary 29 aCnAdNCDoOll2ab5othraAtnionniversary, October 2025: A Legacy of Learning 31 Maryland Judiciary Remains Committed to Court Security 33 Administrative Office of the Courts 34 District Court Headquarters 35 2025 Stats 36 Maryland Judiciary at a Glance 37
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
T hC eo uMnac ri ly dl aenvde lJoupdsi crieacl oCmo umnecni ldsaetri ov en ss af os rt ht heec Ce nh ti er af lJ ug sotvi ec er noaf nt chee bSoudpyr eomf tehCe oJ uu rdti coi fa Mr ya. Tr yhl ea nJ ud dai nc ida li s the central hub for all policy changes, judicial reforms, legislative issues, and other developments, both internally and externally. The committees, which report to the Judicial Council, are an essential part of a coordinated interdisciplinary effort to fulfill the Judiciary’s mission. They are inclusive, recruiting tJualdeincitaerdypfroorfwesasridontoalssetrhvreotuhgehpoeuotptlheeoJfuMdiacriayrlayntdo. work together to accomplish key tasks that move the Honorable Matthew J. Fader Chair, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Maryland Matthew Barrett CAhdamiri,nCisotnrfaetroernsce of Circuit Court Honorable Bibi M. Berry Circuit Court for Montgomery County Honorable Wayne A. Brooks District Court in Howard County Maryland Judicial Council 2025
Honorable Geoffrey G. Hengerer District Court in Baltimore City Honorable James A. Kenny III Chair, Senior Judges Committee Honorable Stacy A. Mayer Circuit Court for Baltimore County Honorable John P. Morrissey Chief Judge, District Court of Maryland Honorable Harris P. Murphy Circuit Court for Kent County Kara Pollak V A i d c m e- i C n h is a t i r r a , C to o r n s ference of Circuit Court Judy Rupp State Court Administrator Rebecca Sloane Administrative Clerk, Cecil County Honorable Shaem C. P. Spencer District Court in Anne Arundel County Roberta Warnken Chief Clerk, District Court of Maryland Honorable E. Greg Wells Chief Judge, Appellate Court of Maryland
MARYLAND JUDICIARY Honorable Yolanda L. Curtin Vice-Chair, Conference of Circuit Judges Honorable Heather S. DeWees Chair, Conference of Circuit Court Clerks Nancy Faulkner Deputy State Court Administrator Maria Fields Administrative Clerk, Baltimore County Honorable Fred S. Hecker Chair, Conference of Circuit Judges Honorable Yvette M. Bryant CanhdaiPr,rSotcaendduinreg Committee on Rules of Practice Honorable Debra J. Burch Vice-Chair, Conference of Circuit Court Clerks
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Committees 2025
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Committee Honorable John S. Nugent, Chair Pp rr oo cmeos st ee st ht he ruosuegohfoaupt pt hr oe pcroi au tret sd. iPs rpouvt ied reeas no lauvt ei onnu e t o v e t cohf acnongedsutcot, aplrtearcntiacteisveanddisppruotecerdeusorelus.tion rules, standards Court Access Committee Honorable Michael W. Siri, Chair Ai ndMd raersysl abnadr ;r iset rr se nt og tahcecne spsutbol itch ae wc oa ur er nt se sa sn do fl et hg ea lJ us edri vc ii ac er ys ’ s programs, projects, services and initiatives, and promote knowledge and understanding of the Judiciary. Court Operations Committee Honorable Mark F. Scurti, Chair Address matters related to the efficient operations of the cwoiudret so pa enrdaat isosni sst pi no lti hc iee sd eavnedl obpems tepnrtaoc ft iccoens .s i s t e n t s t a t e - Court Technology Committee Honorable Sherri D. Koch, Chair Ensure the technology operations of the Judiciary are efficient and effective. Provide advice and guidance regarding the implementation of technology and its effect on judicial operations/functions. District Court Chief Judge’s Committee Honorable John P. Morrissey, Chair Ai t ds vl oi scea tt ihoen Cs ha inedf Jaui dd gt eh eo nC ht hi eef oJ upde gr ae t ii no nt hoef at hdemCi no iusrt tr ai nt i oa nl l , operation, and maintenance of the Court statewide. Family Law Committee Honorable Cathy H. Serrette, Chair Pa nr odvliedgei sgl ua ti di oann cs eu rarnodu nd di ri encgt ifoa nmri leyg da rodmi negs tpi co ll iacwi e, si n, rcul ul edsi ,n g dl eogmi s el asttiioc nv itohlaetnicme .pRr oe vc oe mt hme eenf fde cptoi vl iec iaedsm, riunliesst ,r aa tni do n o f family law. Education Committee Honorable Laura S. Ripken, Chair Gp ruoi df ees, spi or onma l odt ee v, ea lnodp emnecnotuor af ga el l tJ hu ed iecdi aurcya teimo np, l toryaei ne si n. g , a n d Equal Justice Committee Honorable Sharon V. Burrell, Chair Build the knowledge and proficiencies of judges and Judiciary personnel to strengthen the Judiciary’s commitment to equal justice under law for all.
Juvenile Law Committee Honorable William V. Tucker, Chair Provide guidance and direction regarding policies, rules, aj unsdt i lceeg ai snl ad t ci ohni l ds uwr reol fuanr ed. i nRge cj uo vmemn iel en dl a pwo, li inc ci el us d, ri nu gl e jsuavne dn i l e legislation that improve the effective administration of juvenile law. Legislative Committee Honorable Stacy A. Mayer, Chair Protect and promote the Judiciary’s interests regarding new laws and initiatives. Defend and/or advance the Jt uh de imc i ao rs yt ’es f if ne ct et irvees tsst rbayt edgeyt ef or mr di noiinngg as no dg ii vmepnl et hmeepnot il ni t gi c a l climate and other factors impacting the current landscape. Major Projects Committee Honorable John P. Morrissey, Co-Chair Judy Rupp, Co-Chair Ai mdpdlreems sepnot al itci oy -nr ealnadt eodnmg oaitnt eg rospreergaatri od ni nogf tnheew a n d e x i s t i n g tperci oh rniot ileosg yf opr rtohjee ci mt s ,pal es mweenl lt aa tsi ot hneoef stthaobsl ei s ph rmoej enctt os .f Wo r k cJuodlliacbiaolrIantfivoermly awtiiothn tShyestCeomusr.t Technology Committee and Senior Judges Committee Honorable James A. Kenney III, Chair Advise the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland on matters relevant to senior judges. Special Projects Committee Honorable Matthew J. Fader, Chair Og rvoeur ps es ea tnhde t ea fsfko rf tosr coef ss pt heac ti aal rpe ucrrpe oa st ee ds ut ob cc oo mn smi di et treaenwd o r k md oa nk eo tr ef aclol mw mi t heinndtahtei osncso pc oenocfeor tnhi ne rg Jius sdui ceisa lt hCaotuenict hi l e r cmouml tmi piltet eJ eusd oi cri asluCboc uo nmcmi l ictot eme ms , iot rt etehsa ot rs ps aunb ct oh me smc oi tpt eeeos f atenrdmaerentbiteyt.ter addressed by a special-purpose, limited- Specialty Courts and Dockets Committee Honorable Kimberly M. Davis, Chair Pa nr odme vo at el uaant ido on voefr ss pe ee ctihael t dy ecvoeul rotps ma ne nd td, iomc kpel et smi ne nt thaet icoonu r t s .
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
Collaboration in Action: Maryland Behavioral Health Summit
O nJ uMd iacyi a2r y1, ai nn dc o2o2r,d2i n0a2t5i o, tnhwe iMt ha rt hy lea Gn do v e r n o r ’ s Office of Crime Prevention and Policy (GOCPP) and the Maryland Department of Health/ Behavioral Health Administration (MDH/BHA) , held the Statewide Summit on Behavioral Health: AS unmOmp pi to) ritnu En il ltiyc of ot tr CCiot yl l,aMb oa rr ay tl ai vnedC. Ah apnpgr eo x(itmh ea t e l y 375 participants attended, representing stakeholder teams for each of the 24 jurisdictions and the state, which included District and circuit court administrative judges, court administrators, ce ox emc mu tiisvsei oannedr lse, gl ei salda et irvse f br or amn cl ohceasl, ai nncdl us dt ai nt eg health departments, community and state
be ne hf oarvcieomr ael nhte, ac lot rhr eh cotsi po ni t sa, l sc rai ns ids pi nr toevrivdeenr tsi, ol na w tl oe ca aml sa, nsdt ant ea ’tsi oant taol renxepyesr, tps ui nb lbi ce hd ae vf ei on rdael rhs e, aa nl t dh , including The Leifman Group. The Summit reaffirmed that there is no shortage ob fe tpteeor pt rl ee ai nt mMeanrtyfloa rn di nwd ihvoi daurael sc owmi tmh ibt et ehda vt oi o r a l health issues, both generally and in the criminal justice system specifically. The Summit and its eb frfeoarkt sdaoi wmnt os ibl or si n, sghaal rl et hboesset pp er aocptliec et os ,gme tahpe r, reenstoiruerscyesst, eamndinmmovinedfo. rward with a view of the
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MARYLAND JUDICIARY
Ao ff tbeor tmh eheotui ns eg ss owf i tt hh ea sntda tseu lpepg oi srlta ft ruorme , al esawd ee rl ls aS st etehrei nGgoCvoe rmnmo ri tat ne ed wL ta. sGfoovremr ne do.r, t h e S t a t e w i d e “ The Statewide Steering Committee gives us the opportunity to align resources, break down silos, and create a system where individuals with behavioral health needs receive timely and effective support. Collaboration across all branches of government and the community is the key to meaningful, lasting change. ” Maryland Health Secretary Meena Seshamani, Member of the Statewide Steering Committee Oc on- cOhcat ior bs eCrh2i e4f, J2u0s2t i5c ,euMn da tetrhtehwe Jl e. Fa ad de er sr hai np do f Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, the first Statewide Smt ee ee rt iinnggsCaorme mh ei ltdt eaepmp reoext ii mn ga tt oe ol ykepvlearcye .6T0hdea y s . Co fo gmopv oe sr en dmoe fnlte, at hd ee rps rfirvoamt e as lel ctthorre, ec obmr amn uc hn ei tsy gC roomu mp si,t taenedaogtrheeerd steoc teoxrasm, tihnee Satnadt eewn isduer eS t e e r i n g implementation of the priorities identified at the Sp ur ommmoitte; icmo lpl ar ob voer actoi oonr dai mn aotni ognaal lnsdt arkeedhuoc led seirl so;s ; vg er ot uapnsd; aapvpo irdo vuenpnreocpe sossaarl sy md uapdlei cbayt i ot hnei nw os yrskt e m s and emphasize the need for a unified approach gg ar ot huenrd, es hd ai rne b, ae ns td parnaac ltyi cz ee sdaant ad, caos lsl ea sbsoi rnagt iwo nh ;a t works and what does not; build consistency
“ As was made clear to participants throughout the Summit, it was merely a first step toward an ongoing collaborative effort to do better in this critical area. Legislators from the House of Delegates and Senate attended both days of the Summit and participated on multiple panels, as did executive and judicial branch and community leaders. It is safe to say that there was a tremendous amount of energy and eagerness to make progress among the members of the state and local jurisdictional teams. It is now our goal to capture that momentum and move forward to address the priorities identified by the state team and to assist local jurisdictions in pressing forward with their own priorities. ” Oi t sn SJ uu nmem2i3t ,c2o0l l2a5b,oJruadt oi crisa,riyn cl el ua dd ienrgs hl ei pa dmeer st hwi pi t h from the MDH/BHA, GOCPP, and The Leifman Group to review the goals and priorities set at the Summit by both the state and local jurisdictional gt hr eo ump os mt oe dn et ut emr mf oi rn ep ot hs iet ibv ee sct hwa an yg et of oi nr wc raerads. e AC ol l ma gmr ietet edet oo nt hBeechraevaitoi or anl aH Se taal tt he wa ni dde tShtee eJ ur isnt igc e System (Statewide Steering Committee) which we nogualgdegiennceorlal at eb oa nr adt iivme pelfef mo ret sn tt hs ahta wr eodugl do af ol sr ag ne d something much greater than the sum of its parts. Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader, Supreme Court of Maryland
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
isnt atkeer hmoi lndoelrosg aysatnodr ue snpdeecrtsi tvaenrdoilnegs ;aamn od ngge n e r a l l y eimnspurroevecdonotuintcuoemd easn.d cohesive progress toward “ The Statewide Steering Committee is made up of a group of leaders from all three branches of government, behavioral health entities, and the community who are aware of the issues that exist at the intersection of behavioral health and the justice system and are in positions to effectuate change. They also understand, however, that to ‘eat the elephant’ it must be one bite at a time. The work group structure, including input from the local jurisdictions, allows them to do that most effectively. ” Judge Marina L. Sabett, District Court in Montgomery County, and Coordinating Judge for Behavioral Health for the Maryland Judiciary TC oh me mmai titne ef uanrcet itoongsuoi df et h, ee xSatma tienwe ,i da ep pS rt eo ev rei, n g aa nn dd ipmr oppl eoms ael ns to tf hf ei v oe nwg oo ri nk gg gr oo ua lpss, oa bn jde cmt iavke es , r e c o•mDmi veenr td taot i Wo nhsaitn: Et hset afbollilsohwi ni nggmaer et haos :d s t o
• Competency Restoration and Alternate Al epapdreor as hc hi pe st o( Cr eo dRuAcAe)/: eUl ismi ni ng actoel ltahbeo r a t i v e cc ou mr r pe ne tt ecnocmy pweat ei tnl icsyt br eysitmo rpartoi ovni nsgy tsht eem wb ehyiol en cdr tehaet i cnugrar letne tr nc oa tmi vpeeat epnpcryo ascyhs et esm . • DEnahtaanInctienggrcartoiosns-asnecdtoCroodradtainsahtaiornin: g to inform policy, improve service coordination and measure outcomes across justice and • bI nethearvdiios crai pl lhi neaarl tyhEsdyus tceamt i os .n : P rov i d i n g ea ds uwcealtl i oa sn faunr dt hterra idnei vnegl of oprma el lnstt ao kf er ehsool duer cr se,s . • Local Jurisdictional Priorities: Supporting laol lc aj ul rj iusrdi si cdt ii cotni os nc ae nf f ol er at sr na na dn de nb seunrei fni tg ftrhoamt their respective efforts. “ The CoRAA work group exemplifies how collaboration can create real change in the justice system. By working closely with local jurisdictions and stakeholders across the state, we can ensure individuals with behavioral health needs receive the care they need while remaining accountable to the justice system. ” Chief Judge John P. Morrissey, District Court of Maryland In addition to the work groups, the local jurisdictional leaders from the Summit meet quarterly to share their successes and challenges
ii ds seunet si f ywihnod ci vaind ubael sd iwv ei trht ebde fhraovmi o trha el h e a l t h criminal justice system, as well as identifying and developing resources to which they can be deflected or diverted.
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MARYLAND JUDICIARY
ij un rtihs de ii rc tri eosnpsenc ot itv oe nj ul yr ilsedaircnt i fornosm. Tohni es ah ne lopt sh e r bp ur ot ghrealmp ss ,enneseudr es , tahnadt trhees osut ar ct ee igsaapws .aWr ehoi lfel o c a l every jurisdiction is at a different stage in their stakeholder collaborations and have varying rj ue ds og ue sr ci en ne ea ec dh sj u( br ios tdhi cpt ri oe n- aanr ed ipnocsrte- aS sui mn gml yi t ) , hwai vt hi nmg et on tma lainl langees sc aasneds hwoi ltdh tdheef ei nn dd iavni dt su a l s at rcecaotumnet anbt lteo owl ist ha no ud tcnoemc me sus anri ti lyy rheas voiunrgc et hs e needed to do so. Gt hi ve ecno ut hr et si my spt eamc t sa no fd stehrei ocuosmmmeunnt ai tli ei lsl ni te ssse rovne s , and the significant inequities raised that cannot be ignored, on July 27, 2022, the Conference of Chief Justices (CCJ) and the Conference of State
Ca do ou pr tt eAdd amri ensi sotl ruat ti oo rns a(nCdO fSi Cn Ad i)nugntahnaitmj uodu gs el ys aa rned i hn aav eu na i rqeusep po on ss ii tbi iol ni t yt ot oc odnovseon. eAamn odnl ge a d oc ot huer rt st hh ianvges i, mt hpel er me seonl ut et ido snufcocuens ds f tuhl aptr “omg raanmy s , improved court practices and procedures, and initiated significant reform, but there is still a nc oe ue rdt sa nt od lreeasdp oa nn sdi bpirloi tmy of ot er as yl lsst teamt ei cacnhda lnogcea l irne st ph oe nwdatyos i tnhdai tv ci douuar ltss wa ni tdh csoemr i mo uusnmi t ieenst a l it lhl ne eSstsa. ”t eTwhied Se uSmt eme ri it n, tghCe ocmo nmt ii nt tue ee da nwdo ri tks owf o r k ga nr oduwp so,rakncdo tl lhaeb oc or autritvse tl yh aotnc tohnet isntua et et oa nl edaldo c a l jurisdictional levels are all responses to that nsyesetdemanicdcrheasnpgoen.sibility to lead and promote
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
2025 Maryland Judiciary Timeline Breakdown:
March 26, 2025 The Maryland Judiciary’s Equal Justice Committee (EJC), through its Community Outreach Subcommittee, hosted a virtual community forum, Anne Arundel County Community Forum on Mental Health and the Courts , to increase understanding oc of mt hme uc onui tryt ’ss annede dt hs eainr ds et rhvei cwe as yws hi ni l ewlhe iacrhn ti nh ge tchoeu r t s can provide better service.
May 6, 2025 Tl ahuen Mc haerdy laa nn de wJ ul yd ircei da reys i g n e d Dp ua bt al i Dc aa sc hc ebsosa trod ct oo ui rmt pd raot va e and information.
March 4, 2025 Ta rhgeu Smuepnr tesmaet MC oounrttg oo fmMe ar yr yCl aonl lde ghee, l gdi voifnf -gs istteu od reanl t s aanppdeclolamtempurnoicteyemdienmgsb.ers an opportunity to observe
January
February March
April
May
June
March 21, 2025 Th oh set eS du pt hr eemMeYCLoauwr tMoof cMk aTrryilaalnSdt a t e Cc ohma mp eptiiot on rs sh ifpr o, wmeal cc or oms isntgh set sutdaet en.t
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MARYLAND JUDICIARY
October 29, 2025 TO hu et rMe aacrhy lSaunbdc Joumd mi c iiat treye’ s, hEoJ Cs t, et hd rao uv igrht ui tasl Cc oommmmuunniittyy forum, Baltimore City Community Forum Featuring a Conversation About Juvenile Justice Information and Resources from Community Organizations Serving Baltimore Youth , to increase understanding of the courts anne de dt sh ea inrds et hr ve i wc easyws ihni l we lheiac rhntihneg ct ho ue rctos mc amn upnriot vy i’ sd e better service. October 29, 2025 Th ehled Cai rrci bu bi toCno- cuur tt tfionrg Fcreerdeemr iocnkyCfoour ni ttsy Truancy Reduction Court program.
October 3, 2025 Ta rhgeuSmuepnr tesmaet EC ao sutrot no Hf Mi gahr Sy cl ahnodo lhienl dTaolfbf -osti tCeoournatly, p p r r o o v ce id s i s n . g students with an inside look at the appellate
November 14, 2025 Mh oasrtyelda nNda tciior cnua il t Acdooupr tt si osnt aDt ea wy i d e celebrations, finalizing adoptions and recognizing families.
September 22, 2025 Tg rhaed Cu iartci uo int cCeoruermt foonryBf ao lrt ipma or triec iCpiat yn ths ei lnd i at s Adult Drug Treatment Court program.
July
August
September October November December
July 23, 2025 Tc ohne dCuocut er dt Icnot ue rr pt rroeot emr Pp rr oo tgor ca oml tf or ar i Hn ionwg aartdt hCeo uC ni rtcyufiot rC no euwr t ac onvderrei nt ugrenqi nugi pimn teenr pt rheatnedr sl i, n g , imn taenrapgrientgi nf ga st te- cphanc ieqdu seps e, a k e r s and requesting clarification when needed.
December 16, 2025 Th oh ne oMr ea dr ysl taundde Jnut dwi ci inanr ye r s of the 20th anniversary Conflict Resolution Day Bookmark Art Contest.
December 9, 2025 Tr ihbeb oCni r-ccuuittt iCnogucret rfeomr Bo anlyt ifmo ro trhe eCni teywh eHl adrar y A . Cole Court Help Access and Information Center.
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
Building Trust Through Education: Bringing the Courts to Life for Students
T hMraoruygl ahni dn iGt iaavt ievl eWs si lul cThr aavseRl , eSacdhionogl s& i nR o b e s , tahr eg uCmo ue rntt,sc, ot huer tMh oaur ys el avnids iJtus ,dai cnida royf fa- cs ti ti ve eol yr a l eunngdaegr es tsawn di tihn gt hoef ct oh me lme guanl ist yy sttoe mf o .s Bt eyr taa kdienegp e r tt hh ee cMoaurryt lsa on ud t Jsui ddei cti raar dy i it si onnoatl oc no luyr et rdouocma tsi ,n g students, but also building trust, confidence, and civic engagement. From Classrooms to Courtrooms Ts thued Me natrsyal arnadr eG, abveehl i nWdi-l tl hTer-asvceelnpersogglri ammp soef fienrtso the work of judges and court staff. When asked as cbhoouot l t shteui dr eenx tpse sr hi eanr ceeds mwoi tmh et nh tes porf oi gnrsai gmh, t hai ng dh rl eeaf lrenc tmi oonr.eOanbeo suttuwd ehna tt n[ tohtee dj u, d“ Igtea’ sl l]odwaei ldy ml i fee t o lf oa coek, salni kdew, thhye tchheayl l ae rneg ec rs uacni adl stuo coc ue rs sseosc ti ehteyy. ” Aj undoi ct hi ael rr rees fpl eo cntseidb itl hi tai et st ,hset aptri on gg r, a“ Imt hcel al pr ief di e md e understand the processes of the court better and the reasoning behind judges’ decisions.” For younger students, Reading & Robes brings judges into classrooms as storytellers. These vr ei ssipt so npsaiibr illiitteyraant udrceowmi mt hul ne si tsyo nvas loune se. mT hpea t hy, pa lrsoog pr al amn tnsotthoensleyeednscoofucriavgi ce sa wl i taerreanc ey sbs u, t dt heemy ounpsht roal dt i na gf f et hc ta te vt he er ycdoauyr tl isf ea.n d t h e v a l u e s
“ The Maryland Gavel Will Travel Program provides a valuable experience for both the Judiciary and the communities it serves. By visiting schools and community organizations, judges are able to engage in open dialogue, educate the public about the mission of the courts, and inspire a deeper understanding of the impact of justice on everyday life and increase the pipeline of students to legal profession. ” Judge Sidney A. Butcher, Circuit Court for Anne Arundel Older students attending off-site oral arguments or visiting courtrooms gain firsthand exposure to how cases are deliberated and decided. Observing judges weigh evidence, listen to multiple po fetresnp leecat vi veess sat un dd ef no tl lsowwi tehs taa bd lei es hp ee dr appr po cr ee cdiua rt ieosn for the complexity and responsibility of judicial wc oonrtki n. Iune d2 0i t2s5o, ftfh- se i tSeu op rr ae lma er gCuomu re tn ot sf Mi n ai tri ya ltai vned b y ha no dl dEi nags tsopne cHi iagl hs eSscshi oo on ls, ba tr iMn goinntgg oa mp peerlyl aCt eo l l e g e ps crho oc eo el da inndg sc odl il reegcet lsyt ut od emnot sr ef rtohma na 7c r0o0s sh itghhe S t a t e ot rfaMn safroyrl ma nedd. iAntt oe aac hw eo vr ke ni nt g, tchoeuarut rdoi ot omr i ua smt hwea s jpursotvi ci de si nhgesatrudd feunl lt so wr ailt ha rfgi rusmt heannt ds ienx pt wo soucraes teos , constitutional analysis, statutory interpretation and judicial decision-making.
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MARYLAND JUDICIARY
Ar ecpr oo rs ts aa ldl eperpo eg rr aumn ds ,esrtsut da ne nd ti ns gc oonf st ihset ecnotul yr t s aa nn da pt hper ierc oi awt ino np lfaocre t ihne ctihv oi cu lgi hf et. f uT lhneeys sl eraevqeuwi r iet dh in judicial decision-making, an understanding of ho fo twh el ai rwcsa spha ac pi tey et ov epr ayrdtai cyi pl i af et ea mn de aa nriencgof gunl l iyt i ionn ts hpeairrkccoumr imo sui nt yi t ai ebso. uF to pr umbal incys, et hr ve iscee eaxnpde rl ai ewn, c e s wachcioleunretainbfiolirtcyi, nagndtheemimpaptohryt.ance of fairness, Looking Ahead: Knowledge as Civic Empowerment Wc l ahses trhoeormt hs rooruogbhs setrovri yn tge ldl ienl igb ienr aetl ieomn se ni nt ahr iyg h school courtrooms, these programs make justice tangible, relatable and inspiring. “ It is the Maryland Judiciary’s mission to provide fair, efficient and effective justice for all. When citizens gain knowledge about the Judiciary and the rule of law, it fosters the public’s trust and confidence in our system, which is critical to our mission. Our public education and outreach efforts are tools to ensure that future generations have an awareness of how the Maryland Judiciary operates, which promotes public trust going forward. ” Justice Brynja M. Booth, Supreme Court of Maryland Sh touwd ec no tusr ltes af vuen wc t ii tohn ,a ac dl eeaerpe er ruanpdperres ct ai ant di oi nn gf oorf dthiveeirrsviotyicaensdmfaatitrenre. ss and a renewed belief that
Broader Reflections and Takeaways As tcurdoesns tasl lf rceoqmume nutnl yi tryeopuotrrteaa cs ht r opnr oggerra m s , ut hnedye mr s at at tnedr .i nWg hoef nh ao swk ec do ua rbtos uf ut nt hc et ii or nb iagngde swt h y teaykeesatwo at hy se, foanc et tphaartt ij cuidpgaenst hs aa vi de, t“o[ i m] t aokpee nv ee rdym y difficult decisions, and the law is not just black and white when sentencing somebody.” Many students also reflected on career pp or os fsei bs si li iot ni e. s“ Iwai ltwh iany sa nt hdobuegyhotntdh at ht ei f lyeogua lw a n t e d to be a lawyer you had to know immediately after high school, but you can major in spoumr seuteh il na wg cloa mt e pr,”l eotne el ysdt ui fdf eernetnsthaanrde ds .t iOl lt h e r s expressed a renewed interest in public service. “It encouraged me to want to go into fields in we vheinc hi f Ii’ td’ shneol pt apse oa pl al ewbyee rp,”r oa nt eocttheedr bsyt ut dh ee nl at w, explained. Students were often surprised by the depth and ps eaes ms i oe nd isnovpo al vses di o inna jtue dai bc ioaul twt oh reki r. “j oTbhse, ji ut dmgaeds e me think I would really enjoy a career in law,” one student said. Ds tirvoenr gs il yt y. Owniet hsitnu tdheen ct oeux pr tlsa ianl es od ,r“eIst oanl laotwe ds p e o p l e to have a fair trial and get perspectives from judges who come from different backgrounds,” hf ai igrhnlei gs hs tai nn gd hv oa rwi erde pv ireews epnotiant ti so. nPsaur tpi pc ioprat tsi o n ienmtphoe ws eepr mr oegnr at .m“ Isf ae leslot hf oast tme rye dv oai csee ni ss eh eoaf r d and that judges really care about my life and wellness,” said one student, while another reflected, “It made me feel like I had a bigger role in the community than I previously thought.”
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
Spotlighting Community Outreach
January 3, 2025 Jkui cdkgeedS oi df fntehye A2. 0B2u5t cMh ae rr ,yCl ai rncdu iGt aCvoeul rWt fi ol l rTAr anvneel Ap rr ou gnrdaeml Cwo iut nh t ay , visit to Arundel Senior High School. Judge Butcher spoke to 60 10th grade students about the role of a judge and led students in acting out common courtroom scenarios. February 13, 2025 Ti nh Pe rDi ni sc ter iGc et oCroguer’ st
CAoruunndtyelaCnoduinntAynne ht hoes tCeoduSr ct hpor oo lgsr ianm s , wf oer lac no mi nisnigd es tluodoeknatts court proceedings.
May 20, 2025 Sv ti suidt eedn ttsh ef r oHma r Rf oirndg CFoauc tnotryyDEi lset mr i cetnCt aoruyr tS, c h o o l w“ Ghoel dr ei l ot hcekys pa na rdt itchi ep aTtherde ienBaema rosc.”kJ ut rdi ga el oKf e r w i n Aq u. Me sitl il oe nr sa na db oJ uu dt gt heeMc iomu ir tRh. oCuosoepaenr da nt hsewi re rreodl e s on the bench.
January
February March
April
May
June
January 28, 2025 JMuodsglee yD, aDni si et rl liec tMC. o u r t iCno Au nn tnye, hAor sutne dd e3l 7 ff or oumr t hT hg reaKdeeys St ucdh eonotl ,s sppa et ha kt oi n tgh ae bboeunt chhe, rt h e ha ni sdt otrhye oi mf tphoerct oa nu cr te, oh fo cmo emwpol er kt i. n g
June 30, 2025 TMhaer ySluapnrdewmeel cCoomu retdomf o r e tf rhoamn 6t h0ehNi gaht isocnhaol oSlt sutduednetn t s LGeeaodr geer st ohwi pnCUonnifveer er snict ey. a t SAtnugdeel na tMs .mEeatvwe si ttho Jduisstciuc es s the court’s history, its role in Maryland’s judicial system, ai nn di t st hhei sttyopr ei cs coof ucratsreoso hme. a r d
April 23, 2025 Maryland judges pt haer tRi ceiapdaitnegd &i n Ra toCb he os pptraongkr a m ESclehmooeln, traerayding to tghr iardde asnt du df oe un rt st h aqnude sat ni osnwsearbi nogu t their legal careers.
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MARYLAND JUDICIARY
November 10, 2025 St ht ue dDeins tt rs i fcrtoCmo uJ ar mt aensdMt h. Be eCni rnceut itt HCioguhr St cf oh ro oDl ovricshi teesdt e r County to learn about court operations. December 12, 2025 TG he oe rDg ies’ tsrCi cot uCnotuy rwt ienl cPormi necde s t u d e n t s fBrloamd ePnasrbkudragl eH Hi gihg hS cShcohoolofloarni dt s Schools in the Court program.
August 15, 2025 JCuodugnet yC, ahrol os st eFd. Ap ca or tsitcai ,pCainr tc su ii nt CAomu re tr if coar nMUonni tvgeor ms i teyr y Washington College of Law’s annual Ritsumeikan Seminar.
July
August
September October November December
September 10, 2025 JRuedagdei sn gp a&r tRi coi bp ea st epdr oi ng rt ahme aStchLoaokleiAn rMboitrchEelellmviellnet, ary Maryland.
July 22, 2025 FMi fotne tegno smt ue dr ye nCtos uf nr ot ymPtohl ei c e Dv ies pi taerdt mt heenCt iSr uc umi tmCeoruCr at mf opr Montgomery County to learn about the judicial system.
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
Increasing Data Transparency Through Streamlined Data Dashboards and Data Excellence Summit
T hv oe l Mu ma reyol af ni ndf oJ urdmi caitai or yn me aacnha dg ea sy, af nr oemn ocrams eo u s filings and clerk activities to judicial decisions and outcomes. In 2025, the Maryland Judiciary processed over 1.3 million case filings and over 8c i0r 0c u, 0i t0 c0oduirstpso, tshi tei oAnpspf er ol l ma t et hCeo Du ri st tor fi cMt Ca royul ratn, d , aJ unddi ct ihaer yS uc po nr et imn ue eCsomu rot doef rMn iazri ny lga ni t ds . sAy ss ttehme s at hned qeuma bl i rt ya ,c ci no gn sdi as tt ea n- dc ryi, vaennd daeccci es si os ni b- iml i tayk ionf g , judicial data have become critical to maintaining ot rpuesrt a. tRi oe lni aa bl el ex cdeal tl ae necnea ab nl eds sctor ue nr tg lt ehaednei nr sghpi pu b l i c to evaluate performance, allocate resources
effectively, and identify opportunities to enhance access to justice. Idna y2 0D2a5t a, REexsceeal lrecnhc ae nSdu Amnma li yt saiismheods taet db au itlwd ion- g as t sr ha taergeide su, nadnedr isdt ae nn dt iifnygi n, dg enveexl to spti enpgsptroa icmt i cpar lo v e tsht aet ec owni ds ies tceansceym, r ae nl i aa gbei lmi t ye,natndda ut as.ePf ua lrnt iecsi sp aonf t s ianncdl urde es ed aor vc eh re r1s0 f1r oc ml e rekvse, rcyo uc irrtc audi tmc ionui sr tt raact roor ss s, the state, along with a retired supreme court jf ur os mt i c Ae da mn di nai ssterna itoi vrej uOdf fgiec ea no fdtrheepCr eosuernt st a t i v e s leadership (JIS, Research and Analysis, and
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MARYLAND JUDICIARY
Government Affairs and Public Relations). The two-day summit consisted of over ten sessions focusing on defining good data, working to uo nn dperri ns tcai np dl e st h, ae ni sdsdueevs e, sl oept tiinngg nperxi ot rsittei epss,. aAg r e e i n g cr ee cnot rganl i tt iaokne at hwaatygfrreoamt e tr hset asnudma mr di itzwa tai os nt haen d ce os snesni stti ea nl ac ny,dbroet qh ul oi rceasl lhyaarne dd rs et as tpeownisdi be ,i lai trye a c r o s s the Judiciary. “ Reliable, consistent data is essential to public trust and confidence in the Judiciary. The Data Excellence Summit advanced a shared commitment across courts and the AOC to strengthen data quality, clarify standards, and to help ensure our reporting accurately reflects the work of Maryland’s courts. ” Dr. Jamie Walter, Research and Analysis Program Director Ap hl saos ei no2f 0i t2s 5d, at thae wJ uadr iechi aoruys el aiunni tciha teidv et .hTehsiesc o n d pf ohuans de af toi counsael swoonr ke nf rhoamn cpi nhga saen do neex, pt ar an nd si nf ogr tmh ien g tf rhiee ns ydsl yt epml aitnf ot or ma mt hoart es us cpapl aobr tl se ,tar annasl yptai crse-n c y, operational efficiency, and evidence-based decision-making across the Maryland Judiciary. A key goal is to enable future fulfillment of data ra edqv ua en sc ti sn gd itrheec tMl ya trhy rl ao nu dg hJ ut dh iec idaartya’ swsat rr ae theogui cs e , pt rrui os tr itthi er so ut og hp rt oi mmeol yt e, aaccccuoruant et aabcicl iet sys atno dp pu ub bl i lci c iJ nu fdoi rcmi a rayt i’ os nc .oTmhmi s i wt moer nk tatlos ou ss ti nr egntgetchhennosl ot hg ey effectively and responsibly by improving
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW Juunddi ec irasrt ya nedmi npgo wo fehr os wc oMu ratruy sl aenr sd ’ws ictohuar tcsl es ae rrevre tphr ee speunbt el i dc . aWt ti thhe tDh ae t ian Ef oxrcme lal et inocne aSnudmdmi si ct uasnsdi o n s tMh ae rdy el avne dl oJpumd iecni at royf cnoenwt i nd ua teas dt oa sdhebvoeal or dp s, ,etxhpea n d , ad na tda i imn porrodveer ut op odne ltihv ee rafcacier,ses fi fbi icliiet yn to, fajnudd iecfifaelc t i v e justice for all. efficiency through secure access to information, me vaoilnvti anign ti ne cghsnt rool onggi cdaalt na eperdost ,eac nt ido ne sn, haadnacpi nt i gn gt ht eo accessibility and quality of court information. S2 e0v2e5r. aTl hn reowu gdha os hu bt ot ha er dyse awr e, trhe ea Dl s aot ai nDt raosdhubcoeadr di n wt i me bessi.tTe hweaMs aacr yc el asns eddJ uadpipcri aorxyi mDaatteal yD8a s, 4h0b0o a r d , lf ar iuenncdhl ye di ni nf o Mr ma ya ,t iporno vaibdoeus t aMc caersysl iabnl ed ,’ su cs oe ru-r t s ap nr odf eh si gs ihol ni gahl st s. Tt hh ee dd aa isl hy beof faorrdt si nocf l Juuddei sc ida ar yt a o n troa tt ae ls ,i na cc ot imv ei nc ga saenl od aoduvt gool ui nmgecsa, saensd, cclaesaer a n c e pf eraotcuersessi ni ng f op remr f oa trimo na nocne sme revai scue rs etsh. aI tt ea nl shoa n c e access to justice, such as interpreting services and Court Help Centers. In October, the Judiciary released the Caseflow Assessment Dashboards fCoorubr ot , t shutphpeocri tricnugi ti mc opurrotvs eadn md ot hnei tDo ri si nt rgi catn d mA dadniat igoenma el l ny,t Roef sceaasrec hp raoncde sAs ni nagl yps ei sr fhoarsm a n c e . developed internal dashboards, including the daily e-filing report dashboard, which became available for internal use in January. These tools are significant because they provide courts and tdhaet ap wu bi tl hi cowu ti tthh er enael -etdi mf oer, ei na ds yi v- ti do u- uanl dr eepr sotrat ns do r custom requests. Ba ny dmcaokuirntgs ienrfvoi rcme sapt iuobnl iocnl ycaavsaei lparbol cee, st hs ien g
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Improving Child Support Outcomes: A Blueprint for Problem-Solving Courts
MARYLAND JUDICIARY W hen the Family Law Committee’s Child Support Work Group first convened, mp reomb lbeemr s- smo lavdi negecsot aubr lti sphr mo gernatmosf ac hpirl di osrui tpyp. o r t Twhhea tc oc ams me si tttheee pdri odgnr oa mt h wa voeual ds ehte pa ri cot ur rheoowf t h e pb rr oo ag dr a. mT hs es hc oomu lmd iot pt eeer awt ea,nbt ue dt tah cehi ri lvdi ssiuopnpwo rats problem-solving court that encompassed workforce development and job readiness, while as ul spopaosrstiisntgi ntgh ewfiat hmci luys itno dg ye naenrda la. cTcoe sasc hi si se uv ee st ha insd, ac hparior ebdl ebmy- sMoal vgiins tgr awt oe rMk ianrgk gAr.oTuypl ewr, aCs i rf oc rumi t eCdo, u r t for Somerset County.
The group began its work by speaking with judges and managers of existing programs, iPnrcol gurdai mn g, pt hr ee sBi da el tdi mb oy rSee Cn oi ournJtuydFgaemJ oi lhy nS uOp. p o r t Ht heenCnaergoalni n, eC iCr oc uuint tCyoDuer pt af or rt mB ea nl tti mo foSr oe cCi aolu n t y ; SF ea rt hv ei crei ns ’gRCI oS Eu rpt ;r oa gnrda pmr;otghrea mD iss ti nr i cCtool of rCaodl ou ,m b i a Mw hi sastotuhrei , garnodu pN ol erat hr nCeadr of rl oi nma . tTh he es ec cuol mn vi ne rast iaot ni o on fs , ti nh et hl iet eCrha itludr Se u, apnpdo rl ot nPgr odbi sl ecmu s-sSioolnv si ncga nC obuer ftos :u An d Blueprint for Maryland’s Future (the Blueprint).
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Cp rooubnlteym. K- seonltv Ci nogu snttrya it se gailer es ai nd yi tes mc apsl eolyoi andg , twh eh si lee Pstraignecse.George’s County is in the early planning “ Non-payment of child support has created a revolving door for many litigants. We determined that delinquent or nonexistent payment history for non- custodial parents arises from a multitude of issues, some self-inflicted and some beyond their control. And the unfortunate correlation between non-paying parents and involvement in the child’s life is a consequence that leads to frayed relationships affecting the development of the child. Our primary goal is to create an alternative to incarceration, but more importantly, we want to establish a program that leaves participants better off than when they came into the program. That means they leave the program more employable, able to keep long-term employment, and better parents. ” Judge Darren S. Johnson Circuit Court for Prince George’s County TWhoer kF aGmr oi luy pL, aawn dC tohme mp ri tot be lee, mt h- es oCl hv ii nl dg Swu op rpkoi nr tg ga nr oduepa cghe ar itroe dwboyr kMwa igtihs tarna yt ecToyulretri na rt ee raevsat ei lda bi nl e ecostuarbtlpisrhoignrgama c. hild support problem-solving
“ The Blueprint is just a starting point for courts to use in creating their own plans for a problem-solving approach to child support cases. It is not meant to prescribe a one-size-fits-all approach, rather it offers a review of best practices that courts can pull from as they reconsider how they engage with child support litigants. And their efforts have achieved success. ” Magistrate Mark A. Tyler, First Judicial Circuit Circuit Court for Somerset County Ts thaek eBhl uo el dperri ns tc pa nr ofvoildl oews at op ae tsht atbhlai st hc owuhrat st iatn d d“ dees dc ri ci ba et es da tso“ aa dr do br eusssti na ng da nddy nr ae mm iecd” ypi nr og gtrhaem , cc ho ua lrlte-no gr de se rt ehda tc ph ri ledv es un pt pc oo nr ts iosbt el ing ta tpi aoynms ue ns itnogf iandnvoa vnac ti invge tahnedbceosltl ai nb toerraet si vt se omf ec thhi loddrse, nt .h” eTrhe eb y Bwlauye pt or ienstt ar ebcl iosghnoi zr eos pt ehraat t tehae rper oi sb nl eoms -i snogllvei n g cc oo umrmt porno eg lreamme. nWt sh, isl eu ct hh earse haarve i ns igmt ihl ae rci toi ue rs t a, nt hde ca hs itl hd es cuoprpeocrot navgeennoc yr s, aanndd ebma cpkl obyomn eesn ot fptrhoev i d e r s pg irvoegsr ua ms e, rtshoepr et i iosnns of oorndei fpf ae trhe .nTt hpea tBhlsu ea pn rdi nhto w t o navigate them. T2 0h 2e 5B, l tuwe op rci onut nhtai se ss, eKe ennet aarnl yd sPurci cnec ses Ge se. oAr sg eo’ fs , hS ea nv ei obr eJ guudng es tKeaprse tno Ai m. Mp ul ermp he yn tJ et hn es es en pi sr ol egarda imn gs . eJ of fhonrst so ni ni sKde no itnCgotuhnet ys ,aamned iJnu dP gr ienDc ea rGreeonr Sg .e ’ s
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
Spotlighting District Court of Maryland
January 15, 2025 Chief Judge John P. Morrissey of the District Court of Maryland joined Presiding Mf o er mn tearl HP reeasl itdhi nC go uJ ur td JguedEgaerDl Wi n.oBEa.rFt gl oi sr eJ rs. ,, Administrative Judge Eric W. Schaffer, and Office of Problem-Solving Courts Director RC oi cuhrat rgdr a“ Gd ruaayt ”i oBnacr et or enmf oornay Mi netnhtea lDHi setar li tcht Court in Frederick County.
February 19, 2025 The Baltimore City District Court Re-Entry Project celebrated its 11th gp raar dt iuc ai pt iaonnt sc ewr he om souncyc, er se scfougl lnyi z i n g completed the program.
September 26, 2025 Th ehled BaaMl t iemn toarleHCei at yl t Dh iCs ot rui cr tt C o u r t gp rr aodg ur aamt i opna cr et ircei pmaonnt ys ahno dn ot hr ieni gr accomplishments.
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MARYLAND JUDICIARY
November 6, 2025 T1 0h tehDains tnriivcet rCsoa ur yr toof ft hMea Cr yelnatnrda l mMaarrkyel da nt dh e Rr eecgoi go nn iazli nVeg tae rdaencsa Td reeoaft ms eernv ti cCeotuorvt ,e t e r a n s .
November 25, 2025 Ta nh de tDheepMa rat rmy leannt do Jf uGdei nc iearrayl hS ee rl dv iac e s rniebwb oMn a- cbuetlt Hi noguczeer eHmu bo bn ay rfdo rDtihs ter i c t Courthouse in Baltimore City. December 2, 2025 The Anne Arundel County District Court celebrated the first anniversary ohfi gi ht sl iMg hetni nt agl iHt seiaml tphaCcot udrutrpi nr og gi trsa m , inaugural year. November 12, 2025 Tc ehl ee bDrias tter di c t6 Cgor ua dr tu iant eHs oowf at hr de CHoouwnat ryd County Recovery Court.
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2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
A Person-Centered Path to Justice: The First Year of the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Court
MARYLAND JUDICIARY T hC eo uArnt nweaAs rcur ne adteel dC wo ui tnht ya Mc l ee na rt aal nHde da el tlhi b e r a t e vt hi saitofno:ctuos iems po lne me aecnht paapr et ircsi op na n- cte’ snitnedr ei vdi daupaplr o a c h nr eesepdesc at na dn dg odai gl sn, iwt yh. iTl eh ee nc souurritnwg at rs edaet smi gennet dw i t h ti no tehme pi roowwenr pc aa rret i cainpda nr et sc ot ov etrayk, er eacnoagcntiizvien gr o l e ti nh da ti vmi deuaanl si nagrfeu ls uc hpapnogr et eids mr aot hs te re ftfheac nt i vpeu wn ihs he ne d . Cd ee cnitsriaolnt ot oamc hoi evveianwg at hyifsrvoims i ot rnawd iat isoan as tl ra t e g i c supervision through the Division of Parole and
Probation and work more closely with the Anne Arundel County Crisis Response Team (CRT) aa sd dc ai tri eo nc ot oo redmi npal tooyri sn fgo lri ceevnesreydpma ret ni ct iapl ahnet a. lI tnh cs el icnui cr ii anngsh, ot hues iCnRgTa na sds ii ns tssupr aanr tciec,i po abnt at si nwi ni tgh dr ér si vuemr ’és sl, i ce ennr os el lsi nagn idn bGuEsDp apsr soegsr, admr as f, tai nn gd na sa vbiagrartiienrgs dt oa i sl yt al bi fiel i ct yh. aTl lheen Cg eRsTt ah lastoopf treonv isdeersv e tarnadn shpeoa rl ttha tci oa rnet ao papnodi nf rt omme nctosu, er tn as up rpienagr a n c e s consistent engagement and continuity of care.
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Spionsci et i vi tes iimn cpeapctti oonn, tthhee lci voeusr to hf at hs ol es ef t wa h o h a v e ph oa rmt iecliepsast epda,r itni ccilpuadni nt sg wa th loe absetc tahmr eeepfeorrmmaenr el yn t l y hs eoruvseesdt ha ne dp ua rbel i tchbryi vdi negl i.vTehr ien Mg me netna tl aHl ehaelat hl t hC o u r t ti nr edai rt me cet lnyt iamnpdr souvpe ppoarrtt iscei rpvainc et ss’ tqhuaat l di t iyr eocf tlliyf ea. n d Since the first docket on December 4, 2024, the cc ou ur rret nhtal ys sc ee rl evbe rsa2t e5dptaernt i gc irpaadnutast, eas .nTuhmebperro g r a m icnetnetnetrieodnaalplyprsoeat ctho.preserve a truly person- Gc ouui dr te df o bs tye trhs ea mwoetl tcoo m“ Ri un ng teon vu isr, onnomt fernotmg ruosu, ”ntdheed in trust. In its first year, there was only one failure tf oo ranpopnecaor,ma np dl i annoc ep.aIrnt ni coi pv aa tni tv eh apsr abcetei cnersehmaov ve e d bo fe ea nt riamdpi tlieomn ae ln9t e8d8, si nt ac ml u pd ,i na gr et hdei ne ks t ma bal ri skhpml aecnetd on a bench warrant when a participant fails to appear, signaling to any law enforcement officer tHheaat l tt hh eC ionudritv ai dnudahl ai ss ian vmoel vnet da l i hn etahlet hMceonntdail t i o n . Together, these efforts reflect a model of justice thhoapteb. alances accountability with humanity and
“ The most significant accomplishment of the Anne Arundel County Mental Health Court is the number of lives the team has been able to touch and positively impact. By providing both mental health treatment and comprehensive services, the program serves the public while improving participant’s station in life, thanks to the invaluable and critical support of the Anne Arundel County Crisis Response Team. Within the criminal justice system, particularly regarding mental health, there is a desperate need to bring these issues out of the shadows, talk about them openly, and address them without fear. ” Judge Jennifer M. Alexander, District Court for Anne Arundel County Fi mo lpl ol ewmi ne gn ttahtei odne rveeql oupi rme de ndt eol ifbtehri as tvei sc iool nl a, b o r a t i o n ac onmd pc al er teifounl po lf atnhne i nMga. rKyel aynsdt eJpu sd ii cnicalruyd Pe dr o b l e m - Swoi ltvhi nCgR TC,otuhret AAnpnpel i cAartui onnd,eel xCtoe un ns itvyeMc oe onrt da li n a t i o n Health Agency, the Office of the Public Defender, and the Office of the State’s Attorney , as well as approval from the Maryland Judiciary Problem- Solving Court Committee. The final milestone wC haise fr eJ ua sc thi ec de Mw ahtetnh eSwu pJr. eFma deeCr osui grnt eodf Mt haer oy lradnedr aSuepthteomrizbienrg3t0h,e2c0o2u4r.t to begin operations on
25
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
Qualified Bilingual Staff Program: Using Employees’ Language Skills to Improve Service in Maryland Courts
A ntoewusienitiative empowers court employees verified language skills to increase ap cr coef iscsi et on cj yu s(tLi cEeP f)o. rMpaer rysl ao nn ds wc oi ut hr tlsi ms ei trevde Ep ne go lpi sl eh from many cultures and language backgrounds. Every day, clerk’s office staff in the District Cq uo ue sr tt i ao nn ds ac bi roc uu ti tf oc or mu rst,sparsosci es td vu irsei st o, pr sa ywmi tehn t s , oc or mt hme iur ncioc ua tritnhgetahrei ni rgns .eFeodrs iinndEi vnigdlui sahl scwa ni tbheL E P, confusing and stressful. TL ahne gJuuadgi cei aLri ny eh faosr pt reol evpi dheodn iacc icnetsesr tpor et ht aet i o n a t
pv aulbulai cb lceo ruenstoeur sr c. Te hf oi sr sseurpvpi coerst i cnognctoi nmume sutnoi cbaet iao n iJ nu dai cwi ai dr ye ar al snog reeoc fo lganni gz ue sa gt he se . oHpopwo er vt ue nr , i tt hy et o eL nE hP abnyc eu sl ai nngg ua adgier eacctc, ei ns s- pf eo rr sionnd iavpi dp ur oa al sc hw. iMt ha n y Judiciary employees are proficient in other lwa ne lgl -upaogseist i aonnde ,dwt oi t ha spsri sotpLeEr Pt rcaoi nuirnt gu, st ehresy. a r e Ac ol luorwt isnt ag f Lf Ei nP t choeui rr tn ua st ievres ltaon sgpueaagke dc ri reeact tel sy awmi t ho r e inclusive, efficient, and welcoming experience. This direct, in-person approach enhances access
26
MARYLAND JUDICIARY
to justice and continues to create a service- oriented approach to court operations, which ultimately provides efficient and effective justice. The Qualified Bilingual Staff initiative began in 2e s0t2a1b lwi shheend tahwe oLrakn ggur oaug pe At oc cdeesvseSl oupb c o m m i t t e e rt reacionmi nmg ebni ldi na gt iuoanl sJ uf odri ci idaernyt ei fmy i pnlgo, yt ee es tsi. nTgh, ea ng do a l ot of carses ai stti ncgo ua rstt ur us ec trus riendt hper oi rgnr aamt i vael ll oa nwgsusatgaef f wt hhe i ldei smt i anicntti ao inn ibnegt we teheinc al le bg ao luinndf oa rr mi e as ,t ii on nc l au nd di n g legal advice. Following approval by the Judicial CP or ougnrcai ml i nwAa ps rf iol r2m0 a2l2l y, tl ha eu nQcuhael di f ,i ea dn dB ii lni nf igsuc aa ll Sy teaaf rf 2R 0e s2o3u, rAccecse Ds si vt ios iJ ouns t ti oc ei mp aprl tenme er endt awpi ti hl otthper Ho gurma ma n at ht et hDei sCtirriccut iCt oCuorut ritnf oMr oMn tognotmg oemr ye rCyo uC no tuyn. t y a n d Ta nhde pp ai l rotti ci ni pvai tt ee di na lal nc oi nufrot remmapt iloony ae le ws teob ai npaprl y ea xs spel as si nmi ne gn tt .hQe uSapl ai fni ei sdhc laanndgiudaagt ee sptrhoef ni c iceonmc yp l e t e d ac ucsot mo mp reer hseenr sv iivc ee tbherset ep- hr aocut ri ctersa, i nr ei na lg- lci foev ce ar isne g sa cnednaapr iporso, pc ruilat ut er aulsceoomf pc oe ut ernt ci ny,t ce or pu rr et tperros c. eTsws ee lsv, e cs ui rcccuei st scfouul lryt ccol emr kpsl eat ne dd tshi xe Dp irsot gr ircatmC,obuerct ocml e irnkgs ti nh et hi ne aMu ag ruyrlaal ncdl aJsusdoi cf iQa ruya. lTi fhi eedy Ba irlei ni gdue anlt iSf ti ea df f t o Spanish-speaking court users through qualified Shpabanloisehspbailñinogl”u. al staff badges which say, “Yo Tv ehrey pwi l eoltl pr er oc egirvaemd . iTnoMe ov na ltug aotme ei trsy i Cmopuanctty, twh ea s CJ uosut irct eI ns ut errvperyeetde rS Pp raongi sr ha m- s pwe ai tkhiinngAccocuersts ut soe r s by placing survey boxes in areas where qualified
bilingual staff provided assistance. The feedback confirmed that customers appreciated being ai nb lSeptaon ci sohmf mo rurnoiuc at itneedi inr teecrt al yc twi oi nt hs , caonudr tms at anfyf et ox pdroe ss os ewd ict ho mo ufto rnteaenddi nrge pl i he fown eh ei nnt et hr pe ryewt aetri oe na,b l e wcohuircthsmeaasdieera. ccess to services provided by the Si nutpe er vr vi ei swoer ds . oTf hbei li irnfgeue adlbsatcakf f hwi gehr lei gahl st eo d t h a t the program enhances access and improved workflow and customer service within their ds ue cpha ratsmdeonmt se, spt ai cr tvi icoul leanr cl ye icna ss ee sn, swi t hi veer es i ct ul eaat ri o n s , ci mo mp omr tuanni tc.aTt ihoeny arnedp ot rr ut esdt at hr ea te hs pa ve ci ni agl ltyr a i n e d bilingual staff reduced delays, made interactions smoother, and enhanced both efficiency and user experience. Finally, qualified bilingual staff themselves shared tvha al ut et h, aeny df eal tdai rne icnt ccroena ns ee dc t si oe nn st eo ot hf eb eml oi snsgi ionng oafn d tshk ei l lJsu wd iec ri ae rfyo. rTmh ae lyl ya rr ee cporgonui dz etdh aatntdh ee ni rhlaanncgeuda g e access to justice for Spanish-speaking court users seeking assistance. Many of the qualified bilingual staff shared that cwuhset onmt heer ys faereel gsreeeent,eudnidnetrhset oi roodw, ann lda nr egsupaegcet. eOdn e cwl ehrekr es hpaeroepdl ,e“ fTehe el rae saernes ec oouf nr tel lei se sf oi nr t ce or amc ftoi or nt s il an nbgeui an gg ea. ”bAl en toot hc eo rmamd du endi c: a“tTehi en ct oh me i mr nuant ii tvye f e e l s a lot more represented by the judicial system; a natural sense of rapport is established, and it is a much smoother and more efficient process to serve the Spanish-speaking community”.
27
2025 YEAR IN REVIEW
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