Anne Arundel County Judge of the Circuit Court - Circuit 5 Choose 1
DUTIES: Judges preside over trials in the Circuit Court, which is a court that hears major civil cases and serious criminal cases, such as those requiring a jury trial. Circuit Courts may decide appeals from the District Court and certain administrative agencies. The Sixth Circuit Court serves Montgomery County.HOW ELECTED: Elected countywide. The state is divided into eight Judicial Circuits. When there is a vacancy, a nominating commission reviews the qualifications of applicants for the judgeship and recommends several names to the Governor, who appoints a person from that list to fill the office. Each newly appointed judge must run for office at the first election that occurs at least one year after the vacancy occurred. Sitting judges must also run for re-election after serving for 15 years. Attorneys who are members of the Maryland Bar may also run to challenge a newly appointed or sitting judge. All candidates run on both the Democratic and Republican primary ballots.TERM: Fifteen years. No term limit. Mandatory retirement age of 70 years.SALARY: $194,433 per yearWEBSITE: www.courts.state.md.us/circuit
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://electchristinabayne.com
Campaign Phone
410-295-9095
Campaign Email
committeetoelectchristinabayne@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address
91 Catherdral Street 1st Floor
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Annapolis, MD 21114
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Annapolis, MD 21114
QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this judgeship?
I have 20 years of litigation experience where I have spent my time successfully representing parties in family law matters, many of which were complex and highly contested. Additionally, over the past thirteen years I have been appointed by judges at the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County as a child privilege attorney or a best interest attorney for minor children in numerous contested custody cases. I also have an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and sociology.
JUVENILE JUSTICE: How would you address the problem of large numbers of minority youth being imprisoned?
Candidate has not yet responded.
DIVERSION PROGRAMS: What are your views on diversion programs for behavioral problems and substance abuse?
Candidate has not yet responded.
CHALLENGES: What are the greatest challenges facing Maryland’s Circuit Courts and how should they be addressed?
Candidate has not yet responded.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://tomcasey4judge.com
Campaign Phone
4105337357
Campaign Email
friendsoftomcasey@yahoo.com
Campaign Mailing Address
3123 Riva Road P.O. Box 193
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Riva, MD 21140
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Riva, MD 21140
QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this judgeship?
I am a seasoned legal professional with over 25 years of experience. This collective experience has provided me with the opportunity not only to study the law but also to serve in a variety of roles (e.g., prosecutor, defense attorney, negotiator, trusted advisor to boards and executives). My time in this space has taught me the value of preparedness, temperament, and accountability, skills that will serve me well on the bench if elected.
JUVENILE JUSTICE: How would you address the problem of large numbers of minority youth being imprisoned?
I am running for a position in the Maryland Judiciary, not the Maryland Legislature. The Judicial Code of Ethics requires that judges approach each case and each decision fairly and impartially, a fundamental component of justice. To that end, if elected, I will continue to uphold the pillars of integrity, honor, and trust as an impartial arbiter of the cases that come before me. My decisions will be based on the law, free from the influence of bias, prejudice, or political pressure.
DIVERSION PROGRAMS: What are your views on diversion programs for behavioral problems and substance abuse?
Under the right set of facts and circumstances (e.g., non-violent offenders as one of the factors), diversion programs are not only a good use of the court’s resources, but the results of such programs have been shown to reduce recidivism for non-violent offenders. Drug, mental health, and veterans’ court diversion programs can provide desperately needed treatment and tools for rehabilitation and readjustment.
CHALLENGES: What are the greatest challenges facing Maryland’s Circuit Courts and how should they be addressed?
The lack of resources to match the caseload and public confidence in the bench. Both problems can be ameliorated by providing better access to justice for those with limited means, particularly in civil matters. The increased availability of prerecorded self-help tutorials or live self-help clinics may be a solution. Having more Judges with more experience, better temperament, and more transparency in explaining the case process to those not represented that come before them would be another.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://judge@keepjudgeceleste.com
Campaign Phone
410-934-7330
Campaign Email
judge@keepjudgeceleste.com
Campaign Facebook
http://https://keepjudgeceleste.com/
Campaign Mailing Address
P.O.Box 92
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Annapolis, MD 21404
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Annapolis, MD 21404
QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this judgeship?
As a current judge, I have presided over numerous civil, criminal, and family law hearings and trials. In my 20 years of practicing law, I was a state and federal prosecutor, Assistant Bar Counsel, and employment attorney. I tried dozens of civil and criminal cases in the circuit court. My extensive practice experience has made me adept at analyzing the law and applying the law fairly and impartially. I grew up in Anne Arundel County and am proud to continue my career of public service here.
JUVENILE JUSTICE: How would you address the problem of large numbers of minority youth being imprisoned?
The goal of the juvenile court is rehabilitation, which can only be achieved by treating each child as an individual and determining what services will best assist that child while holding the child accountable and ensuring the safety of the community. I believe in the ideal that all people are entitled to equal justice under the law. As a current judge, I decide each case by considering the facts and circumstances of the case and applying the law fairly and impartially.
DIVERSION PROGRAMS: What are your views on diversion programs for behavioral problems and substance abuse?
I believe that diversion programs such as drug treatment and mental health courts should be used whenever possible. In all appropriate circumstances, defendants should have the opportunity to participate in diversion programs for substance abuse and behavioral health issues because such programs help to strengthen communities and decrease recidivism.
CHALLENGES: What are the greatest challenges facing Maryland’s Circuit Courts and how should they be addressed?
The greatest challenge facing Maryland’s circuit courts is the number of self-represented litigants, who struggle to effectively present their cases. I address this challenge by explaining the court process to self-represented litigants and by referring self-represented litigants to the court’s self-help center for assistance. Expansion of resources for self-represented litigants and greater participation by lawyers in providing pro bono legal services would assist in addressing this challenge.
Biographical Information
Campaign Website
http://www.keepourjudges2024.com
Campaign Phone
410-541-6395
Campaign Email
judgejacksonstevenson@gmail.com
Campaign Mailing Address
4157 Mountain Road
Suite 142
Pasadena, MD 21122
Suite 142
Pasadena, MD 21122
QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this judgeship?
For seventeen years, I handled hundreds of cases in many areas of the law; as a government attorney & law firm owner. I had the privilege to represent individuals from all walks of life & economic status. Throughout my career, I analyzed the law & applied it to the facts of my cases. I used those skills as a Family Law Magistrate for over 3 years. I patiently listened to the parties of each case, honed my evidentiary ruling skills & applied the law fairly & impartially to each case.
JUVENILE JUSTICE: How would you address the problem of large numbers of minority youth being imprisoned?
Juvenile Court is designed to rehabilitate the youth. As judges, we must analyze the facts of each case, the background of the youth, review assessments and reports and determine what types of services are best for the juvenile. The types of services are individually designed for each youth. The Courts use community-based services when applicable and in the best interest of the child and the community at large.
DIVERSION PROGRAMS: What are your views on diversion programs for behavioral problems and substance abuse?
The diversion programs are great options available to the Courts. They are an appropriate alternative to use for individuals that are properly screened and approved by the program coordinators. As an attorney, I worked with both the substance abuse and mental health programs. I saw first-hand how my clients and others, benefited from the different treatments offered in the programs. The diversion programs have been shown to be effective at reducing recidivism, which benefit everyone.
CHALLENGES: What are the greatest challenges facing Maryland’s Circuit Courts and how should they be addressed?
The biggest challenges facing Maryland's Circuit Courts are reducing the backlog of cases due to COVID. The backlog is being addressed by ensuring that cases are being heard on the trial date. Secondly, the Courts are using the Senior (retired) Judges to preside over matters which increases the number of cases that are tried timely. Lastly, the Courts are also using alternative dispute resolution measures like mediation & settlement conferences to help obtain the parties' desired outcomes.
Biographical Information
QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this judgeship?
Candidate has not yet responded.
JUVENILE JUSTICE: How would you address the problem of large numbers of minority youth being imprisoned?
Candidate has not yet responded.
DIVERSION PROGRAMS: What are your views on diversion programs for behavioral problems and substance abuse?
Candidate has not yet responded.
CHALLENGES: What are the greatest challenges facing Maryland’s Circuit Courts and how should they be addressed?
Candidate has not yet responded.