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. The 5th Circuit Court serves Anne Arundle, Carroll and Howard CountyTERM: Fifteen years. No term limit. Mandatory retirement age of 70 years.SALARY: $194,433 per year (chief $203,633)WEBSITE: https://www.mdcourts.gov/circuit/howard