BENCH/BAR COMMITTEE REPORT By Mary R. Sanders
As another harbinger that our routines are returning to pre-COVID normal, the May Bench Bar meeting was held in person, with others joining by Zoom. It is nice to get back to a semblance of normalcy! The hot topic was, of course, COVID, and how the courts continue to adjust to secure the fair and speedy administration of justice, while ensuring the safety of the court staff and public. Judge Jakubowski reported that jury trials have returned, both criminal and civil. The juries are being selected at the American Legion Building on York Road and then transported to Bosley Avenue. There has been good feedback and no problems concerning jurors. Both the Public Defender and State’s Attorney’s Offices reported no issues with the trials.
be on May 20 at 4:30 p.m.
Judge Jakubowski also reported that there is a new postponement policy for criminal matters. The court is no longer accepting written requests for postponement. All postponement requests must be done in person. Judge Cahill is reviewing all postponement requests for the month of May, and a party must show good cause. The Court is committed to clearing the backlog and wants to move these case in an expeditious manner.
And a final big welcome to Alexis Rohde who is replacing Baltimore County icon, Grace Connolly, who retired as the Register of Wills, a role she has served since 1998. Ms. Rohde is the former Assistant Attorney General representing the Register of Wills and Orphans Court. Ms. Rohde has come into her position ready to work, and is asking the bar for any suggestions, comments, or complaints regarding the Office.
A prison/defendant is entitled to wear civilian clothes for jury trials. Please coordinate with Brittany Jackson, who is the point person if you need to get clothing to a client.
Judge Wilson reported that the District Court has entered Phase V and all cases are being scheduled and the Court is even adding dockets to help clear out the backlog. The District Court is stretched thin because they are short two judges with Judge Chester’s retirement and Judge Mayer’s appointment to the Circuit Court. Judge Wilson has requested visiting judges to help with the shortage, but unfortunately most jurisdictions are in the same boat. In the event that Baltimore County is not allotted visiting judges, dockets in July will most likely have to be postponed. If this happens, attorneys will be notified immediately and the cases will be reset.
Carol Miller, the long standing chief deputy clerk in the Clerk’s office is retiring after 41 years of service. Carol has been a godsend to attorneys and all who she helped along the way. She will be sorely missed. While we are sad to see Carol leave, we wish her the very best and hope she enjoys her well-deserved retirement. We turn to welcoming Craig Moscovitz who will join the Clerk’s Office on June 30, 2021. Another big welcome is being sent out to Magistrate Carrie Polley who has started in the position and is hearing contested cases. The family law bar is thrilled to have you on the Bench and is confident you will be an asset to the Magistrate’s Office.
The Court has instituted a new policy for people who are denied entry to the courthouse because of their answers to the COVID questions. The person is to remain outside the building and Central Assignment will notify the judge or hearing officer. If criminal, the judge will be go on the record to discuss whether he will grant the party the right to enter, or how the matter will go forward. If civil or family law, the judge may decide the protocol, and whether the matter The landlord/tenant cases are going forward. The will proceed virtually, etc. CDC order which put a temporary halt on evictions Good news to all family law attorneys – the Visitation was recently vacated by a US District Court for the Center will reopen on June 1, 2021. They are District of Columbia. The Federal Judge stayed his accepting applications now. Wendy Meadows also Order pending an appeal, but the stay will expire reported that the Family Law Legislative update will shortly. There is an interim order, however, that THE ADVOCATE
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May 2021
