Category: Court Accountability

Court accountability is an essential aspect of a vibrant democracy.  Yet a lot of the important work that our state courts do is almost invisible to the average citizen. Maryland courts handle protective orders for domestic violence victims, hold abusers responsible for criminal misdemeanors and felonies, and ensure that justice is fair, impartial, and available to all. Much of this work is never reported on.

That’s why Court Watch provides training for community members about current domestic violence laws and the obligations of our courts. With 30-40 people from all walks of life watching hundreds of civil and criminal domestic violence dockets each year, Court Watch is able to identify where our courts are excelling and where they are falling short in ensuring full protection for victims under Maryland and federal law.

Maryland currently has no system for judicial evaluations by all those who use our courts, but there are some exciting models across the country. Such a program can improve judicial incentives to be respectful and to ensure that parties understand the decisions they make.  These programs ensure that voters have useful information on judges before they head to the polls.

Court Watch 2023 Yearly Protective Order Outcomes Report

In 2023, nearly 25,000 domestic violence final protective order hearings were held in Maryland courts, including almost 3,000 in Montgomery County (Maryland Courts, 2023). Protective orders were granted in less than half of these hearings, with the rest denied or dismissed. This data suggests that some victims may not be getting the full protections needed, including the mandatory protection against gun possession by their abuser. Protective orders are vital tools for reducing or stopping domestic violence when paired with a strong safety plan and proper enforcement.

Troublesome bond hearing in alleged child molestation case

bond hearing

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Baltimore judge accused of destroying records, bullying

Baltimore judge

The Commission on Judicial Disabilities has completed its hearings scrutinizing the professionalism of  Baltimore Judge Devy Patterson Russell.   The 11-member panel has not announced the timing of their deliberations. District Court Judge Patterson Russell testified in her own defense late Monday (Nov. 5, 2018). Investigators allege that Judge Russell has repeatedly bullied clerks and colleagues.  She […]

Prince George’s judge to release abuser who set his girlfriend on fire

set his girlfriend on fire

LaQuinn Phillips stands accused of attempted murder after he allegedly set his girlfriend on fire in September of 2017, leaving burns over 70% of Andrea Grinage’s body. Grinage was pregnant at the time. Incredibly, Prince George’s Circuit Court Judge Pearson recently ordered that Mr. Phillips be released from jail to home detention due to a […]

Maryland Circuit Court judge’s verdict not in “the best interest of the child”

Judge Joan Ryon

Circuit Court Judge Joan Ryon recently delivered a shocking decision in a Montgomery County custody case that appears to ignore credible evidence of physical and sexual child abuse and domestic violence. This case is receiving national attention due to the irregularities in the military’s handling of the original abuse case and ex parte communications between […]

Judge fails to set hearings on needed protective order extensions

protective order extensions

Are domestic violence victims in Maryland able to get protective order extensions when they can show a court that they have “good cause?”  Under Maryland law, if a petitioner has “good cause” for their request a judge can, and should, extend the order for six months to provide continued protection. Generally, Montgomery County District Court […]

Are judges using simple practices that protect victims?

domestic violence courtrooms

Are judges using basic, fundamental practices in domestic violence courtrooms? Simple practices that improve case outcomes for victims? Only 53% of the time, finds our new study.  Many simple, no-cost practices, that are very important for victim safety, just aren’t being used by judges. Like a surgeon washing their hands prior to surgery, these practices […]