JUIDICIAL IMPACT PANEL (JIP)

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*In Maryland, circuit court judges (the people who rule on divorce, custody, child support and major criminal cases) have to run in the next available election after they are appointed by the Governor. Most often that not, they will run their campaigns far under the radar of everyday people in hopes of winning a seat on the bench with little to no resistance. Circuit court judges sit on the bench for a whopping fifteen years (seemingly an entire generation). It is nearly impossible to get a Judge removed once they are in office. This can lead to one becoming very arrogant with his or her actions and rulings and can heighten implicit bias, also known as implicit social cognition. Implicit bias refers to the attitudes or stereotypes that affect our understanding, actions, and decisions in an unconscious manner.

You should be fully aware who presides in your county as it deeply affects Black, Latino and poor communities immensely. You should also know that during campaign season, candidates for circuit court judge often do round table and panel discussions rather than debates. This is typically the only time the public will get a chance to see all of the candidates together, which may inform who you should vote for. Circuit court judges must run on a Democratic and/or Republican ticket, which is where things get tricky. Candidates often try to appear "non-partisan" and "fair", however they are definitely partisan and usually fall right in the line of the party of the person (Governor) who appointed them. Sometimes a Governor will appoint a judge that her or she did not vet but simply went with what the county selection committee suggested.  

A lawyer that has a valid bar associations license can also apply to run to be a circuit court judge if they are not appointed by the Governor. Several people have become circuit court judges using this alternative method. Encourage a upstanding lawyer that you may know to run for circuit court in the county they reside in. There is a due date that a candidate must apply to be able to run in the upcoming election. DO NOT WAIT TO PRIMARY (JUNE) ELECTIONS TO TRY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE AS OFTEN THE TABLE IS SET FOR WHO WILL BE ON THE BALLOT AT THIS TIME AND FOR NOVEMBER ELECTIONS. Pay close attention to the selection committee in each county that “suggests” to the Governor who he or she will “appoint”. For more info on this click here. In Virginia and Washington DC, residents are unable to vote but you should definitely be aware of who is being selected and appointed. Try and make sure the Judges who are being appointed align with your people in your community. 

Be aware that candidates will remove or shield their voting status and party affiliation while running. After doing your own research, we encourage you to reach out to the candidate for Judge of your choice (through the contact page on their website). You should ask if there are any round table discussions or panels for you observe them and the other candidates. Also ask court related questions that affect your community. Do NOT make a final decision on who to support by their website alone as everyone will work overtime to show you their best. They often use photo opportunities with people that look like you and organizations that you may be familiar with in an effort to get you on board. See if you can get a history on the Governor-appointed Judge that is running for election. Additionally, you can sit in their court room for a trial or two to observe, or visit www.TheRobingRoom.com to research, and lastly ask lawyers that you know and trust as they are in the court room with them pretty often.

We are looking to address how Judges (that hear child support, parenting scheduling, custody and divorce cases) across America are voted in, appointed, trained and also removed. If you have knowledge of how the aforementioned processes work in a particular state please contact us here.