A publication from the Maryland Judiciary

Justice MattersJustice MattersVol. 10, Issue 4 February 2007

2007 Legislative Session

E-Citations, New Courthouses onDistrict Court Wish List

Ken Brown, Coordinator, Customer Information Services,District Court, contributed to this story

Music, activities, and celebrationsare part of Baltimore City’s “newand improved” juvenile drugtreatment court. Shown here, staffmembers from the Baltimore CityDepartment of Juvenile Servicesdemonstrate a variety ofinstruments during “jam session.”

cont. on 4

Court’s in (Jam) Session

inside

judicial information systems ....... 6

problem-solving courts ............... 9

staff volunteers ........................ 12

national adoption day ................ 14

In order to launch new technology andto create new facilities, the Judiciary isasking for the support of the GeneralAssembly and the Governor for twoinitiatives. These initiatives will improvesafety for officers, increase efficiency forthe courts, and address the needs of agrowing population.

E-CitationsThe District Court is poised to begin

an innovative electronic citation project,which will increase efficiency and policeofficer safety. However, before the projectcan start, legislative changes are needed.

The District Court handles more than1.3 million traffic citations each year, and

in June 2003 became involved inefforts to electronically process thesecitations to save time, paper, and staffresources for police agencies and the

See full story on page 15 photo courtesy of Cheré Brown

A Maryland state trooper demonstratesthe e-citation system.

photo by Dawn Robinson

2

editorial board

Judge Dennis M. SweeneyChairman, Howard CountyCircuit Court

Judge William H. Adkins, IIITalbot County District Court

Judge Jean Szekeres BaronPrince George’s CountyDistrict Court

Ken BrownDistrict Court Headquarters

Judge Ralph M. BurnettGarrett County District Court

Judge William O. CarrHarford County Circuit Court

Sandra Dalton, ClerkFrederick County Circuit Court

Valerie Dawson, Court ReporterWicomico County Circuit Court

Judge James R. EylerCourt of Special Appeals

Judge Marcella A. HollandBaltimore City Circuit Court

Catherine McGuireMaryland State Law Library

Judge Emory A. PlittHarford County Circuit Court

Sally W. RankinCourt Information Officer

Judge Russell Sadler, Howard CountyDistrict Court, Retired

Judge Gail J. SchafferAnne Arundel CountyOrphans’ Court

staffMary Brighthaupt, designerRita Buettner, editorMolly Kalifut, writerDan Clark, photographerJack Fino, photographer

Justice Matters is published quarterly.We welcome your comments or ideas.Contact us at:Court Information Office361 Rowe Blvd.Annapolis, MD 21401Tel: (410)260-1488cio@mdcourts.gov

The Joint Bench/Bar Conference will beheld June 12-16 in Ocean City.

News from the Bench

AppointmentsHon. GeorHon. GeorHon. GeorHon. GeorHon. George L. Rge L. Rge L. Rge L. Rge L. Russell, III, and Hon. Pussell, III, and Hon. Pussell, III, and Hon. Pussell, III, and Hon. Pussell, III, and Hon. Pamela Janice Whiteamela Janice Whiteamela Janice Whiteamela Janice Whiteamela Janice White

were appointed to the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, filling vacanciescreated by the retirement of Hon. Clifton J. Gordy and Hon. JosephP. McCurdy, Jr.

Hon. A. Michael ChapdelaineHon. A. Michael ChapdelaineHon. A. Michael ChapdelaineHon. A. Michael ChapdelaineHon. A. Michael Chapdelaine was appointed to the CircuitCourt for Prince George’s County, filling a vacancy created by theretirement of Hon. Steven I. Platt.

RetirementsHon. Alan M. WHon. Alan M. WHon. Alan M. WHon. Alan M. WHon. Alan M. Wilnerilnerilnerilnerilner, Court of Appeals

Hon. Steven I. PlattHon. Steven I. PlattHon. Steven I. PlattHon. Steven I. PlattHon. Steven I. Platt, Circuit Court for Prince George’s CountyHon. WHon. WHon. WHon. WHon. William B. Spellbring, Jrilliam B. Spellbring, Jrilliam B. Spellbring, Jrilliam B. Spellbring, Jrilliam B. Spellbring, Jr....., Circuit Court for Prince

George’s County

In MemoriamHon. Stanley B. FHon. Stanley B. FHon. Stanley B. FHon. Stanley B. FHon. Stanley B. Frrrrroshoshoshoshosh, Circuit Court for Montgomery County

from 1975 to 1989.

Hon. FHon. FHon. FHon. FHon. Frrrrrederick Aederick Aederick Aederick Aederick A. Thayer. Thayer. Thayer. Thayer. Thayer,,,,, III, Garrett County Circuit judgefrom 1977 to 1996.

Hon. Mabel E. Hubbard,Hon. Mabel E. Hubbard,Hon. Mabel E. Hubbard,Hon. Mabel E. Hubbard,Hon. Mabel E. Hubbard, District Court for Baltimore City from1981 to 1985, Circuit Court for Baltimore City from 1985 to 1999.

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Human Resources Gains New Leadership

Professional Profile:Sharon Sampson Ball

Sharon Sampson Ball was named executive director ofhuman resources (HR) for the Judiciary on November 1,following the retirement of Linda Love McCormick. Ballplans to draw on almost three decades of experience instate human resources management to help the Judiciarybecome an employer of choice. She has been implementingchanges that she hopes will provide “progressive,innovative, results-oriented human resources’ services tointernal and external customers.”

In December, the department produced the first ofperiodic fact sheets on policies, practices, and procedures.These fact sheets will be posted on CourtNet and aredesigned to provide practical technical help to Judiciarymanagers, supervisors, and employees. The first containedpolicy-specific technical information concerning earlyrelease for holidays.

“The fact sheets are one way for HR and the serviceswe provide to be viewed as more user-friendly, morecustomer-focused,” Ball said. “Human resources, as adiscipline, can be very laborious, and the policies can bevery complex.”

In January, Ball named Sharon Borland deputy executivedirector of the department. Borland has more than 15 yearsexperience in human resources management including thelast six with the Judiciary.

Ball and Borland look forward to expanding employeetraining opportunities. They will also form a humanresources liaison group where, at periodic meetings,Judiciary employees who perform human resourcesfunctions in their positions will take part in relevant trainingand networking opportunities.

“By meeting face-to-face, we can get feedback from them,learn what their specific questions are, and provide theinformation needed to perform these tasks,” Ball said.

The department also plans to build partnerships withcolleges, increase the Judiciary ’s presence at job fairs, andexplore a variety of internship opportunities.

“I believe in a collaborative approach to human resourcesmanagement,” Ball said. “As we evaluate policies andprocedures, we need to ask ‘Why?’ and ‘Does it still work?’The answer should never be, ‘That’s the way we’ve alwaysdone it.’”

Sharon Ball has served 29 years in the areas

of equal opportunity and human resources

management. Before joining the Judiciary,

she had been human resources director at

Maryland Department of Assessments and

Taxation, and prior to that, had served as

recruitment and examination, training and

employer-employee manager, and deputy

personnel director at the Maryland

Departments of Employment and Training,

Economic and Employment Development

and Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. She

holds a bachelor’s degree in political science

from Hampton University, and received her

master’s in public administration from

Northern Illinois University.

L-R: Sharon Ball and Sharon Borlandphoto by Molly Kalifut

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E-Citations, New Courthouses, from 1

court. Statutory changes are necessary to allow for theelectronic transmission of ticket data in lieu of traditionalpaper citations, new means of identifying and verifyingpersons’ identities, and the inclusion of multiple citationson a single document.

The e-citation initiative would improve officer safetyby reducing the amount of time an officer is outside thecruiser by 80 percent. E-citations also provide citizenswith a more accurate record of alleged offenses as officersgive citizens citations generated in the laptops in theircruisers. The data would then be electronically transferredto the police agencies and then to the courts, reducingboth law enforcement and court data entry errors. If theproject is implemented, citizens could also eventually paycitations online.

“This is not only an example ofefficient, good government createdthrough the effort of so manystakeholders—more importantly, it’s aninnovative approach to improvingofficer safety,” said Chief Judge Ben C.Clyburn of the District Court. “Thisproposal is really going to change howa lot of people do business.”

The Judiciary is collaborating onthis effort with the Maryland StatePolice, Maryland TransportationAuthority, Maryland Department ofTransportation, Maryland DefenseCouncil, Maryland Trial LawyersAssociation, Office of the PublicDefender, Maryland State’sAttorney ’s Association, MotorVehicle Administration, and theMaryland State Bar Association. Thestate police will conduct an “e-warning” pilot to test the systembefore implementation.

photo by Dawn Robinson

The laptop in each state police cruiser willbe equipped to transmit data directly topolice agencies and courts.

New Courthouses NeededWhile e-citations bring processing caseloads into the

21st century, the Judiciary is also seeking help to replaceoutdated, inadequate buildings and facilities from theprevious century. The court is seeking funding for newDistrict Court facilities in Rockville, Cumberland, andCatonsville.

In Rockville, construction funds are requested to buildnew court facilities to replace leased space shared withthe Circuit Court for Montgomery County. “The currentlocation lacks modern court security features and isinadequate to accommodate the caseload,” Judge Clyburnsaid. In Cumberland and Catonsville, funds are sought toacquire land for the future construction of new court

facilities to replace buildings thathave limited space and outdatedsecurity features.

“Citizens deserve access tojustice in adequate facilities,” JudgeClyburn said. “In Catonsville, forexample, we have women handcuffedto chairs and defendants being leddown hallways next to judges’chambers. This is a real safety issuefor everyone—detainees, citizens,and court employees.”

To date, this year’s capital budgetdoes not include funding for theseprojects. Judge Clyburn has asked

Gov. Martin O’Malley to considerfunding the projects in hissupplemental budget and has metwith legislators to seek theirsupport.

“The funding for these vitalprojects is a small fraction of thetotal capital budget of almost$718 million,” Judge Clyburn said.“And for $68 million, so much canbe accomplished to provideefficient services in safeenvironments.”

Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn of the District Courtexplains e-citations to the Senate JudicialProceedings Committee.

photo by Rita Buettner

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Chief JudChief JudChief JudChief JudChief Judge Rge Rge Rge Rge Robert M. Bellobert M. Bellobert M. Bellobert M. Bellobert M. Bell of the Court ofAppeals, who received the Keys to Access Award onDecember 9 at the Fourth National Symposium on DisputeResolution in Special Education at the Academy forEducation and Development in the District of Columbia.

Court of Appeals Judge Glenn HarrCourt of Appeals Judge Glenn HarrCourt of Appeals Judge Glenn HarrCourt of Appeals Judge Glenn HarrCourt of Appeals Judge Glenn Harrell, Jrell, Jrell, Jrell, Jrell, Jr.....;Court of Special Appeals Judge Ellen Hollander;Court of Special Appeals Judge Ellen Hollander;Court of Special Appeals Judge Ellen Hollander;Court of Special Appeals Judge Ellen Hollander;Court of Special Appeals Judge Ellen Hollander;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Kaye Allison;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Kaye Allison;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Kaye Allison;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Kaye Allison;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Kaye Allison;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Stuart Berger;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Stuart Berger;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Stuart Berger;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Stuart Berger;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Stuart Berger;Baltimore City Circuit Judge Evelyn OmegaBaltimore City Circuit Judge Evelyn OmegaBaltimore City Circuit Judge Evelyn OmegaBaltimore City Circuit Judge Evelyn OmegaBaltimore City Circuit Judge Evelyn OmegaCannon; Anne Arundel County Circuit JudgeCannon; Anne Arundel County Circuit JudgeCannon; Anne Arundel County Circuit JudgeCannon; Anne Arundel County Circuit JudgeCannon; Anne Arundel County Circuit JudgePhilip Caroom; Montgomery County Circuit JudgePhilip Caroom; Montgomery County Circuit JudgePhilip Caroom; Montgomery County Circuit JudgePhilip Caroom; Montgomery County Circuit JudgePhilip Caroom; Montgomery County Circuit JudgeJohn Debelius, III; Carroll County CircuitJohn Debelius, III; Carroll County CircuitJohn Debelius, III; Carroll County CircuitJohn Debelius, III; Carroll County CircuitJohn Debelius, III; Carroll County CircuitAdministrative Judge Michael Galloway; AnneAdministrative Judge Michael Galloway; AnneAdministrative Judge Michael Galloway; AnneAdministrative Judge Michael Galloway; AnneAdministrative Judge Michael Galloway; AnneArundel County Circuit Judge PArundel County Circuit Judge PArundel County Circuit Judge PArundel County Circuit Judge PArundel County Circuit Judge Paul Hackneraul Hackneraul Hackneraul Hackneraul Hackner, P, P, P, P, PrincerincerincerincerinceGeorge’s County Circuit Judge Michele Hotten;George’s County Circuit Judge Michele Hotten;George’s County Circuit Judge Michele Hotten;George’s County Circuit Judge Michele Hotten;George’s County Circuit Judge Michele Hotten;WWWWWicomico County Circuit Judge Newton Jackson,icomico County Circuit Judge Newton Jackson,icomico County Circuit Judge Newton Jackson,icomico County Circuit Judge Newton Jackson,icomico County Circuit Judge Newton Jackson,

Congratulations to:

III; BaltimorIII; BaltimorIII; BaltimorIII; BaltimorIII; Baltimore County Circuit Judge Re County Circuit Judge Re County Circuit Judge Re County Circuit Judge Re County Circuit Judge Ruth Annuth Annuth Annuth Annuth AnnJakJakJakJakJakubowski; Howard County Circuit Administrativeubowski; Howard County Circuit Administrativeubowski; Howard County Circuit Administrativeubowski; Howard County Circuit Administrativeubowski; Howard County Circuit AdministrativeJudge Diane OJudge Diane OJudge Diane OJudge Diane OJudge Diane O. Leasur. Leasur. Leasur. Leasur. Leasure; Montgomery Countye; Montgomery Countye; Montgomery Countye; Montgomery Countye; Montgomery CountyCircuit Judge Michael Mason; WCircuit Judge Michael Mason; WCircuit Judge Michael Mason; WCircuit Judge Michael Mason; WCircuit Judge Michael Mason; Washington Countyashington Countyashington Countyashington Countyashington CountyCircuit Judge John Hankins McDowell; HarfordCircuit Judge John Hankins McDowell; HarfordCircuit Judge John Hankins McDowell; HarfordCircuit Judge John Hankins McDowell; HarfordCircuit Judge John Hankins McDowell; HarfordCounty Circuit Judge Emory Plitt, JrCounty Circuit Judge Emory Plitt, JrCounty Circuit Judge Emory Plitt, JrCounty Circuit Judge Emory Plitt, JrCounty Circuit Judge Emory Plitt, Jr.; Queen Anne’s.; Queen Anne’s.; Queen Anne’s.; Queen Anne’s.; Queen Anne’sCounty Circuit Administrative Judge Thomas RCounty Circuit Administrative Judge Thomas RCounty Circuit Administrative Judge Thomas RCounty Circuit Administrative Judge Thomas RCounty Circuit Administrative Judge Thomas Ross;oss;oss;oss;oss;Prince George’s County Circuit Judge CathyPrince George’s County Circuit Judge CathyPrince George’s County Circuit Judge CathyPrince George’s County Circuit Judge CathyPrince George’s County Circuit Judge CathySerrette; Garrett County Circuit AdministrativeSerrette; Garrett County Circuit AdministrativeSerrette; Garrett County Circuit AdministrativeSerrette; Garrett County Circuit AdministrativeSerrette; Garrett County Circuit AdministrativeJudge James Sherbin; Anne Arundel County CircuitJudge James Sherbin; Anne Arundel County CircuitJudge James Sherbin; Anne Arundel County CircuitJudge James Sherbin; Anne Arundel County CircuitJudge James Sherbin; Anne Arundel County CircuitJudge RJudge RJudge RJudge RJudge Ronald Silkworth; Fonald Silkworth; Fonald Silkworth; Fonald Silkworth; Fonald Silkworth; Frrrrrederick County Circuitederick County Circuitederick County Circuitederick County Circuitederick County CircuitJudge Julie Stevenson Solt; Prince George’s CountyJudge Julie Stevenson Solt; Prince George’s CountyJudge Julie Stevenson Solt; Prince George’s CountyJudge Julie Stevenson Solt; Prince George’s CountyJudge Julie Stevenson Solt; Prince George’s CountyCircuit Judge Sean WCircuit Judge Sean WCircuit Judge Sean WCircuit Judge Sean WCircuit Judge Sean Wallace; and Dorchester Countyallace; and Dorchester Countyallace; and Dorchester Countyallace; and Dorchester Countyallace; and Dorchester CountyCircuit Judge BrCircuit Judge BrCircuit Judge BrCircuit Judge BrCircuit Judge Brett Wett Wett Wett Wett Wilsonilsonilsonilsonilson, who became ASTAR fellowsin October at the conclusion of the 2006 Advanced Scienceand Technology Adjudication Resource Center (ASTAR)National Judges' Science School in Chicago. These judgeswill continue on to more advanced study in the future andwill participate as moderators and faculty for futureprograms designed for the next class of judges. The ASTARprogram strives to offer a high level scientific, technological,and medical curriculum to trial court judges to better equipthem to understand and preside over cases that involvesuch issues.

Calvert County District Judge Stephen L.Calvert County District Judge Stephen L.Calvert County District Judge Stephen L.Calvert County District Judge Stephen L.Calvert County District Judge Stephen L.ClagettClagettClagettClagettClagett, who received the Maryland Network AgainstDomestic Violence’s 2006 Law Enforcement/CriminalJustice Award October 26 at the group's annual meetingand awards dinner.

RRRRRetiretiretiretiretired Ped Ped Ped Ped Prince Georrince Georrince Georrince Georrince George's County Districtge's County Districtge's County Districtge's County Districtge's County DistrictJudge Gerard FJudge Gerard FJudge Gerard FJudge Gerard FJudge Gerard F. Devlin. Devlin. Devlin. Devlin. Devlin, who was named Maryland’sVeteran of the Year by the Maryland Joint VeteransCommittee.

Sharron Bickel, Crisis Intervention Center directorand MNADV executive secretary, presentsJudge Stephen Clagett with the 2006 MarylandNetwork Against Domestic Violence’s LawEnforcement/Criminal Justice Award.

ASTAR logo

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When Cookie Pollock took a job with JudicialInformation Systems in 1982, she found herself workingin the former Buzzy’s Pizza Parlor in Annapolis. Becausethe only parking was two-hour parking on the street,Pollock and her colleagues took turns rolling their cars“to make the chalk disappear.”

Those were the days Pollock now recalls as the “MiddleAges of computers.” She remembers how they worked withkeypunch cards and dumb terminals (computers beforePCs). When they needed to connect to the Annapolis DataCenter, “we would dial up and wait for the tone.”

At that time, JIS was comprised of the officein Annapolis, which supported District Court systems, anda Baltimore office to support the Circuit Court forBaltimore City.

Today, after 30 years as the Judiciary ’s informationtechnology arm, JIS provides 24-hour-a-day support to morethan 3,500 users in the District Court, Circuit Courts,appellate courts, Administrative Office of the Courts,and court-related agencies. JIS also serves externalagencies, such as the Maryland Department of PublicSafety and Correctional Services, the Motor Vehicleadministration, and the Department of Juvenile Services,and the general public.

”You have all these various projects that you need tolook at holistically as a portfolio,” said Robert Bruchalski,deputy director of planning and application services forJIS. “We have to look at projects, ensure that they're meetingneeds, are on schedule and on budget.”

The role of JIS continues to expand to address theJudiciary ’s increasing use of technology. During the livewebcasting of Court of Appeals arguments, for example,JIS staff make sure that the streaming server network isfunctioning properly and that the bandwidth is acceptable.

In addition to maintaining the day-to-day operations ofcourt computer systems statewide, JIS directors regularlyintroduce initiatives to enhance services. This year theJudiciary has requested funding for informational technologyinitiatives in the budget submitted to the General Assembly.

Jury Management SystemLast summer efforts began to purchase a jury management

system that will provide automated management of jurorsthrough the entire jury life cycle, including random selection,notification, qualification, placement on a jury, payment,and record of service. The system will include Web-basedfunctionality to allow potential jurors the option ofqualifying, requesting a postponement or an excusal on-line, and provide updates on service dates. With approvedfunding—including $1 million requested for fiscal year2008—a pilot program will commence followed by statewide

Judiciary asks General Assembly to support initiatives

Robert Bruchalski, Deputy Director, Planning and Application Services,Judicial Information Systems, contributed to this story

JIS Leads Courts through

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implementation. Currently the Circuit Courts use a varietyof systems for jury management, and most use a systemthat does not integrate with other court functions. Thecurrent jury system model presents significant issues andchallenges, which include manual efforts, integration withother systems (e.g. case management), consistent reportingand statistics, the effective use of Web-based technology,and increasing support costs.

“We have a mix of jury systems out in the field,”Bruchalski said. "We're in the process of procuring a newmodern jury management system capable of supporting allthe courts.”

Expanding Case Search The Maryland Judiciary Case Search (http://casesearch/

inquiry/inquiry-index.jsp) provides public online access tothe Judiciary’s case records. The first phase was implementedin January 2006. As of January 2007, Case Search providesInternet access to case information of all trial courts,including information from the Circuit Courts forMontgomery and Prince George’s counties, which waspreviously unavailable through the site.

The second phase has, to date, implemented theexpansion of case information for criminal cases in

accordance with rule changes effective July 2006. As a resultof this implementation, the existing dial-up capability forcriminal data has been replaced. The third phase, beginningin the latter half of fiscal year 2007, will provide bulk datadownloading capabilities that are currently fulfilled throughcustom programming.

Changing TimesNow project manager for the District Court for JIS,

Pollock can appreciate how much has changed since herfirst days at JIS. Not only has the world of technologychanged, but she long ago upgraded from the dumb terminalin the former pizza parlor; today she works at the JISheadquarters on Riva Road in Annapolis—where the DataCenter is manned 24-hours-a-day.

Despite all the changes during Pollock’s 25 years at JIS,she has seen one constant. “There are other stresses,” shesaid, “but the people are just wonderful.”

Cookie Pollockphoto by Rita Buettner

30-year Evolution

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A program that began with a casual conversationbetween a judge and a state administrator has justcelebrated its 20th anniversary. Since it began in 1986, theHarford County Absent Parent Employment Program(APEP) has helped more than 1,600 participants findjobs and pay close to $3 million in child support services.APEP has also become a model for similar programs. TheCircuit Court for Baltimore County started one in 2004that has helped recoup nearly $250,000 in child supportpayments. And, eight months ago, the Circuit Court forBaltimore City began a partnership with the city’s STRIVEprogram to help prepare fathers for work.

Seeing the NeedAPEP began in 1986, when Harford County Circuit

Judge William O. Carr was talking casually with anadministrator in the state’s job service program. Judge Carrmentioned that he wished there were jobs for the parentswho appeared before him for being delinquent in childsupport payments; the administrator replied that he wishedhe had more applicants for the jobs his office wasadvertising. They created APEPthat same year, securing fundingfor the program through thestate Department of HumanResources in 1988.

“It’s a positive, effectiveprogram because we focus ongetting child support paymentsto the children,” said Judge Carr,who hears all child support casesin the county.

When Judge Carr orders parents into the program, theyare initially assessed regarding their skills, abilities, andneeds. They meet weekly with an APEP counselor andhave access to a variety of services, including job searchand interview training, resume writing assistance, and jobreferrals, as well as substance abuse treatment, and familymediation, anger management, and mental health services.Participants who are still looking for employment have a“show cause” hearing before Judge Carr each month.

APEP operates in conjunction with the county’s Officeof Child Support Enforcement, Department of SocialServices, Sheriff ’s Department, and the State’s Attorney’sOffice. Team members—many of whom have been thesame since the program’s start—meet each month todiscuss cases.

“We’ve gotten to know each other really well,” said JulieMcFillin, the program supervisor who has been with APEPsince it began. “Clients come back to visit all the time.They know we are here to help, and we take the time to sitdown with clients and listen. They’re welcome to comeback anytime.”

Program GrowsBaltimore County based its Family Employment Support

Program, which it launched in 2004, on APEP, and CircuitJudge John O. Hennegan has noticed other benefits besidesrecouping money for child support. “This program can bemeasured in more than the dollars and cents,” he said. “I’veseen it create self-esteem, improve family harmony, helpresolve underlying issues and conflicts. In my conversations

with participants, it’s clear that theseintangible benefits are there.”

In 2006, the Circuit Court forBaltimore City began a partnershipwith STRIVE, a program throughthe city ’s Center for Fathers,Families and Work ForceDevelopment, to help non-custodialfathers. “It offers an opportunity toeducate fathers and prepare them

for work, and also assists them in having a better relationshipwith their children,” explained Judge Audrey J.S. Carrion,the judge in charge of the family division docket. Fathershave access to an employment resource list and referralsfor help with housing issues.

“We need to find employment for non-custodial parents,”Judge Carrion said. “Any help within the community helps.This program gives fathers some hope that they can gethelp with education, finding a job, and building arelationship with their children.”

Program that Helps Parents PayChild Support Marks Milestone

“It’s a positive, effective programbecause we focus on getting childsupport payments to the children.”

Judge William O. Carr

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Standing Committee Establishedfor Problem-Solving Courts

Chief Judge Robert M. Bell of the Court of Appeals has issued an administrativeorder to establish a Standing Committee on Problem-Solving Courts. These courts,such as drug treatment and mental health courts, have grown as the public and otherbranches of state government look to the courts to help solve the problem of crimethrough non-traditional methods.

According to the administrative order, the committee will be the statewidesuperintendent for these courts. Baltimore City District Judge Jamey H. Weitzmanis the chairperson. This committee does not disband the current Drug TreatmentCourt Commission or change its focus. The commission now will report directly tothe standing committee.

The committee will review all requests to set up problem-solving courts and makerecommendations to the chief judge of the Court of Appeals, serve as theclearinghouse for all grant-funding requests, create a program to evaluatetheir performance, and recommend best practices and standards for theiroperation and maintenance.

The Standing Committee on Problem-Solving Courts includes twooversight committees: the Drug Court Oversight Committee, chairedby Baltimore County Circuit Judge Kathleen Gallogly Cox; and theMental Health Court Oversight Committee, chaired by Baltimore CityDistrict Judge Charlotte Cooksey, which will respond to mental healthcourt needs.

The administrative order is online at http://mdcourts.gov/adminorders/index.html.

10

The Clerk’s Office along with the Circuit Court for AnneArundel County is preparing to launch its two-year pilote-filing project. Following a plan approved by court orderon October 13 by the Court of Appeals, the Clerk’s Officein the Circuit Court will file all civil cases electronically,with the e-filing of other cases to follow.

An e-filing task force has been formed in Anne ArundelCounty whose co-chairs are Anne Arundel CircuitJudge Ronald A. Silkworth and Clerk of Court RobertP. Duckworth.

“The Clerk’s Office has been promoting the e-filing ofcourt cases for a long time and is excited about being thepilot project for the Maryland Judiciary. When the pilotconcludes, I would expect that we can move to have theentire state Judiciary Circuit Courts follow suit,”Duckworth said.

“We will begin with civil but we will eventually do family,juvenile, and criminal,” said Anne Arundel Circuit JudgeRonald A. Silkworth.

The project will integrate the LexisNexis File & Servesystem with the Judiciary ’s Uniform Court System.LexisNexis has taken the lead with e-filing systems in otherstate and local courts throughout the nation.

“We would not have done it unless it was integrated,”Judge Silkworth said. “We’ve actually been consideringe-filing for quite some time, but in order to get to

Anne Arundel Circuit Court Launches E-Filing Pilotwhere we are today we had to have our case managementdatabase system.”

The court has worked with the Anne Arundel BarAssociation’s technology committee to include their inputin the project development, and LexisNexis will providetraining for the judges and attorneys.

Attorneys—and even self-represented litigants will beable to get an account and file online from anotherlocation. “The nice thing from a lawyer’s standpoint isthat filing doesn’t end at 4:30 p.m.,” Judge Silkworth said.

Self-represented litigants who are not familiar with thesystem can turn to the clerks for assistance in uploadingand scanning paper documents into a digital format.“We intend to have public access terminals availablein the courthouse,” Duckworth said. Project managerDoug Hofstedt and Kimberle Earle, representing theClerk of the Court, will be operationally setting up the e-filing system.

“““““In order to do a project like this, you really have tohave a very capable courthouse team.” Judge Silkworth said.“Change is challenging to many people, but I think in theend we’ll see a good result, a good product, and we’ll havegood information for the Court of Appeals to decide whatto do statewide.”

For further information visit http://www.circuitcourt.org/efilingpilot.htm.

A two-alarm fire in January closed streets and causedthe evacuation of the historic Prince George’s CountyCourthouse. The blaze reminded many of the fire inNovember 2004 that ravaged the 1881 courthouse whenrenovations were almost complete. This most recent firebroke out on the roof of the same section, but this timethe flames were contained to the roof, and therenovations will continue on schedule, with the projectdue to be completed by the end of 2008. No one wasinjured, and the contractor has agreed to pay for thedamages, estimated at about $75,000.

Renovations Still on Track Despite Blaze

photo courtesy of Judge Albert Willis Northrop

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Nearly 1,300 of the people who watched the Court of

Appeals arguments on December 4 didn’t have to worry

about finding a seat in the courtroom. They merely clicked

on the Maryland Judiciary ’s site to watch the arguments

live online. After the success of the pilot webcasting project,

launched November 30, the Judiciary is moving forward

to have permanent cameras installed in the courtroom this

spring. Live and archived webcasts can be viewed at http:/

/mdcourts.gov/coappeals/webcast.html.

Court of Appeals Broadcasts Arguments Live Online

http://mdcourts.gov/coappeals/webcast.html

Discussing Best Practices in Family LawDuring the “Best Practices for Family Law” seminar

at the Circuit Court for Wicomico County inNovember, Matthew Mills, vice-president of theWicomico County Bar Association (left), pauses for aphotograph with Wicomico County Circuit JudgeKathleen L. Beckstead, First Circuit AdministrativeJudge Daniel M. Long, Winnie Borden, executivedirector of the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service(MVLS), and Worcester County Circuit Judge RichardR. Bloxom.

Hosted by Judge Beckstead, the seminar wasdesigned to provide “best practice” information fromLower Shore judges and masters who preside indomestic matters to area attorneys who predominantlypractice family law. The seminar also offered a forumfor MVLS to identify attorneys to volunteer in domesticcases whose litigants are indigent.

by Lynn Cain, Court Administrator, First Circuit

photo by Lynn Cain

Participating judges and masters presented thecourts’ perspective on practices that facilitate timelyand effective litigation of domestic cases, andattending attorneys were able to pose questions ofthe judges and masters.

photo by Rita Buettner

Seated in the Court of Appeals courtroom, MediaSpecialist Dan Clark reviews webcast footage afterthe day's arguments have been concluded.

12

Harold MeiklejohnJudiciary jobJudiciary jobJudiciary jobJudiciary jobJudiciary job: Managing commissioner with the District Court for

Montgomery County.

VVVVVolunteers witholunteers witholunteers witholunteers witholunteers with: Youth football and baseball leagues in Damascus.

Main eventMain eventMain eventMain eventMain event: He’s the football commissioner for the Cougars FootballAssociation, running the day-to-day operations of one flag and 10 tacklefootball teams for kids ages 5-14.

How it all beganHow it all beganHow it all beganHow it all beganHow it all began: Started coaching and helping out when his sonjoined the baseball team at age 6, then football at age 8. He was asked tobecome commissioner in 2000.

Why he does it:Why he does it:Why he does it:Why he does it:Why he does it: “Helping kids has always been what this is all about.This is a way I can give back to the community, and maybe keep some kidsout of trouble. We joke that we know where the kids are when they’redone with practice or a game: They’re at home because they’re too tiredto be anywhere else.”

TTTTTrack rrack rrack rrack rrack record: ecord: ecord: ecord: ecord: Since he became football commissioner, the league hasgrown from 175 players to 275.

WherWherWherWherWhere’s his son now? e’s his son now? e’s his son now? e’s his son now? e’s his son now? At 16, Tim still plays both sports. Meiklejohncoaches him in baseball, but, as for football, “He’s out of my league.”

Helping MattersThis is the first installment in a series of profiles of Judiciary employees who volunteer

in their communities. If you are a volunteer or would like to nominate a fellow employeeto be profiled, please write to cio@mdcourts.gov or call (410)260-1488.

Sarah PeachJudiciary job:Judiciary job:Judiciary job:Judiciary job:Judiciary job: Court reporter with the Circuit Court for Howard

County.

VVVVVolunteers at:olunteers at:olunteers at:olunteers at:olunteers at: The Hippodrome Theatre in Baltimore.

What she does:What she does:What she does:What she does:What she does: Scans tickets as a volunteer usher on Sundayevenings when there’s a show or event.

Why she does it:Why she does it:Why she does it:Why she does it:Why she does it: “I’ve always been a theater buff. Our ‘pay’ is thatwe get to see the show we’re working at. I love comedies and musicals,but I was very impressed with ‘12 Angry Men’ that played here recently.”

Don't ask:Don't ask:Don't ask:Don't ask:Don't ask: She can’t get discounts for family or friends —andcan't even get one for herself. She pays full price for any show at whichshe’s not working.

When she's not at work or volunteering:When she's not at work or volunteering:When she's not at work or volunteering:When she's not at work or volunteering:When she's not at work or volunteering: She’s a member ofthe audience. She has season tickets to the Hippodrome, and travels toNew York City at least three to four times a year to see plays.

photo courtesy of Harold Meikeljohn

photo by Karen Eske, Hippodrome Theatre

13

Ed JowettJudiciary job: Judiciary job: Judiciary job: Judiciary job: Judiciary job: Records clerk with Central Records, District Court

Headquarters.

VVVVVolunteers with:olunteers with:olunteers with:olunteers with:olunteers with: Historic Annapolis Foundation, which is dedicatedto preserving the downtown’s historic character and educating visitorsand locals about the city ’s history.

How he helps:How he helps:How he helps:How he helps:How he helps: Serves as a liaison during the Historic AnnapolisAntiques Show and as a history interpreter during tours.

Why dwell on the past: Why dwell on the past: Why dwell on the past: Why dwell on the past: Why dwell on the past: “The history of Annapolis has alwaysbeen of great interest to me, and Historic Annapolis Foundationvolunteers have all the fun. We share a common interest, we work inwonderful venues—historic homes and areas—and we meet people andcan share our interests with the public.”

His favorites:His favorites:His favorites:His favorites:His favorites: “I look forward to Annapolis by Candlelight eachyear and the Kitchens of Annapolis tour, which is relatively new, is awonderful way to see how people have used their creativity to keep thefeeling of an era in a small, intimate space.”

DonDonDonDonDon’t miss this:’t miss this:’t miss this:’t miss this:’t miss this: “If you visit the William Paca House only once ayear, visit during the holidays. It’s a wonderful season—the house andgrounds are all decorated by volunteers and it’s absolutely beautiful.”

Cynthia TensleyJudiciary job:Judiciary job:Judiciary job:Judiciary job:Judiciary job: District Court commissioner for Baltimore City.

VVVVVolunteers as:olunteers as:olunteers as:olunteers as:olunteers as: an EMT-B (IV Tech) with the Artbutus VolunteerFire Department, she started in 2005 and is due to graduate theparamedic course in May.

Why she became an EMTWhy she became an EMTWhy she became an EMTWhy she became an EMTWhy she became an EMT::::: “Years ago, I trained as a medicwhen I was in the Army Reserves. For years, I had been thinkingabout going back to school. Then when 9/11 happened, and thenatural disasters, especially Katrina, I wanted to help in a moremeaningful way. There’s always a shortage of medical personnel.I thought about it; I prayed about it; I figured I’d go where theneed was.”

What makWhat makWhat makWhat makWhat makes it ees it ees it ees it ees it exciting:xciting:xciting:xciting:xciting: “When you go out on a call, youdon’t know what you’re going to run into. Even though youradrenaline is pumping, you have to stay calm and proceed in anordered, decisive way.”

How the jobs arHow the jobs arHow the jobs arHow the jobs arHow the jobs are similar:e similar:e similar:e similar:e similar: “With both jobs, there is thepressure of trying to remember everything, and there is the necessitythat you make the right decision and that mistakes aren’t made.Both have their own rewards as well that thankfully counterbalancethe pressures. In both situations, there is personal satisfaction inknowing that I’m a part of something bigger than myself and thatI do make a difference.”

photo by Molly Kalifut

photo courtesy of Cynthia Tensley

14

Several courts in Maryland joined in thecelebration of National Adoption Day inNovember. In Baltimore, three Circuitjudges—Administrative Judge Marcella A.Holland, Judge Audrey J.S. Carrion, and JudgeEdward R.H. Hargadon—presided over morethan 40 adoptions in the CeremonialCourtroom on Saturday, November 18.

On that same day in Baltimore County, Circuit Judge John O. Henneganpresided as 10 families welcomed new members. In Prince George’s County, sixchildren were adopted at a special event held by the Circuit Court on Wednesday,November 15. Circuit Judges Steven I. Platt; Larnzell Martin, Jr.; Graydon S.McKee, III; and Melanie Shaw Geter assisted Administrative Judge William D.Missouri in the day’s presentation. Harford County also celebrated on November15, when retired Circuit Judge Cypert O. Whitfill presided over the adoptions ofsix children. In Anne Arundel County, Circuit Judge Nancy L. Davis-Loomispresided over eight adoptions on Thursday, November 16, as the families weretreated to bagpipe music performed by Robert G. Wallace, court administrator.

In Maryland, the Committee on Public Awareness has encouraged Circuit Courtsto plan events recognizing National Adoption Day, which is celebrated each yearto raise awareness of the more than 100,000 children in foster care throughoutthe United States waiting to find permanent families.

CourtsHelpBuildFamiliesDuringNationalAdoptionDayEvents

Program cover designedby Kailyn Geter, age 7

Judge Larnzell Martin, Jr. (left); Anthony Visk; Annabelle Visk; Angelina InesAnna Visk; retired Judge Steven I. Platt; and Judge Melanie Shaw Geterpause for a photograph during Prince George’s County Circuit Court’sNational Adoption Day celebration.

photos courtesy of Judge Larnzell Martin, Jr.

15

Report Shows Juvenile Drug Courts to be Effective

Baltimore City ’s juvenile drug treatment court is offering a variety ofnew activities for participants such as Birthday Club, jam sessions, anddemonstrations.

Frederick Douglass High School’s jazz band has performed forparticipants, and drug court staff members have staged a jam session andhands-on demonstration of music-making. These sessions introduce musicas another positive outlet, and participants are encouraged to continueinstruction in the community if they are interested. Birthday Club celebratesparticipants’ birthdays during group meetings with cake and highlights oftheir progress and accomplishments. The staff developed the club afterlearning that some participants had never had a birthday party.

The staff also plans kick-boxing demonstrations by a certified personaltrainer, with an opportunity for interested participants to take lessons. Theseinnovations are the result of efforts by staff of the Baltimore City Departmentof Juvenile Services and the University of Maryland Harambee TreatmentCenter to enhance the Baltimore City Juvenile Drug Treatment Court.

Juvenile defendants who participated in a Maryland drugtreatment court were less likely to commit crimes afterwards,and the program saved money overall. These are thefindings of an intensive study of the Harford Countyjuvenile drug court, recently released in a final report byPortland, Ore.-based NPC Research.

“The two very important questions this study answersare, ‘Do juvenile drug courts reduce recidivism?’ and ‘Dojuvenile drug courts save taxpayers money?’ The answer toboth questions is a resounding ‘Yes,’” said Gray Barton,executive director of the Office of Problem Solving Courts.

Participants in Harford County’s juvenile drug courthad 36 percent fewer juvenile and adult arrests than non-participants, and 59 percent fewer days on probationor parole. The independent study also found that

Baltimore City Revitalizes Court

the average cost to the criminal justice system was 60percent less for participants in the year following theirinvolvement in drug court.

“We get kids that you’d think won’t make it,” saidHarford County Circuit Judge William O. Carr. “But wehave a consistent team and a strong tradition ofinteragency cooperation. I knew that if the program wasrun correctly, it would make a difference in the lives ofthese young people.”

Drug courts provide intensive treatment, supervision,and comprehensive judicial monitoring to habitualoffenders whose crimes are addiction driven. Juvenile drugcourts also involve families and schools.

A copy of the report is available athttp://mdcourts.gov/dtcc/publications.html

Clinical staff members gathered during anopen house to unveil the “new” BaltimoreCity Juvenile Drug Court (left to right):Robert Greene, Stephen Carter, MichaelMarshall, Cheré Brown, Harold More-Bey,and Jay Henderson.

photo courtesy of Baltimore CityJuvenile Drug Treatment Court

Sheila Peksenak, Juvenile Drug Court Coordinator, Baltimore City Circuit Court, contributed to this story

Juvenile Drug Court UpdatesJuvenile Drug Court UpdatesJuvenile Drug Court UpdatesJuvenile Drug Court UpdatesJuvenile Drug Court Updates

Court Information OfficeRobert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building361 Rowe Blvd.Annapolis, Maryland 21401

mdcourts.gov

By Lynn Cain, Court Administrator, First Circuit

When LaVern H. entered the First Judicial Circuit’sTruancy Reduction Program Pilot, she had 65 un-excused absences and a 1.00 GPA. Now that she hassuccessfully completed the program, she has had noun-excused absences over an extended period of timeand her GPA is 3.16. She has also become significantlyinvolved in school activities.

The courts of First Judicial Circuit—Dorchester,Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties—arepresently involved in the pilot program to assistlocal boards of education in reducing truancy.Students successfully complete the program andare recognized for their accomplishment once theyhave shown sustained school attendance withimproved performance.

Based on a similar program in Delaware, the pilotprogram was launched after discussions with educationand court leaders. In 2004 legislation was passed toimplement the pilot program. If legislation is passedthis session, the Judiciary will also introduce a similarprogram in Prince George’s County.

First Circuit’s Truancy Program Celebrates Somerset Student’s Success

photo by Lynn Cain

Somerset County Master Robert E. Laird, Jr., LaVern H. (student), FirstJudicial Circuit Administrative Judge Daniel M. Long, and Del.Norman H. Conway celebrate LaVern’s accomplishments.