Washington County Judge of the Circuit Court - Circuit 4
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
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Kirk C. Downey
(Rep, Dem)
QUALIFICATIONS: How does your experience prepare you for the duties of this judgeship?
JUVENILE JUSTICE: How would you address the problem of large numbers of minority youth being imprisoned?
DIVERSION PROGRAMS: What are your views on diversion programs for behavioral problems and substance abuse?
CHALLENGES: What are the greatest challenges facing Maryland’s Circuit Courts and how should they be addressed?
Campaign Phone
240-850-3103
I have been a practicing attorney in Washington County for 27 years, most recently serving as the County Attorney . I have experience in many legal areas, including civil litigation, criminal law, and municipal law. I have also been deeply involved in this community and know it well. I will bring that knowledge to the bench.
All people are entitled to fair, impartial, and equal justice under the law. I will strictly follow the law and am committed to dispensing justice equally to all individuals appearing before the court.
Diversion programs for behavioral problems and substance abuse programs should be used as an alternative to incarceration when the facts and circumstances indicate that the program would be beneficial to the individual and when there is no risk to society.
Maryland's Circuit Courts strive to dispense justice fairly, impartially, and efficiently. When litigants appear before the court, they should be heard, and the court should apply the law, as it is written, to the facts before it. Justice should be dispensed with strict fidelity to the law and with respect for those appearing before the court.
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