JUDICIARY OMBUDSMAN
William L. Howard, Ed.D

The ombudsman serves as an advocate for fairness, answering individuals’ questions, helping resolve individuals’ concerns and issues, and works to make the courts more user-friendly. To keep the entire process confidential, questions and concerns will be accepted by phone and mail, but not electronically.

Contact Information:
Telephone 410-260-1298
Fax number is 410-260-3586
or write to
William L. Howard, Ed.D
Ombudsman
2001-C Commerce Park Dr.
Annapolis, MD 21401

Mission Statement:

The mission of the office of the Ombudsman for the Maryland State Court System is to provide a confidential, informal, independent and safe communications channel where court users can obtain informal assistance in surfacing and resolving issues.  Serving as a designated neutral, the ombudsman is neither an advocate for any individual nor the Judiciary, but rather serves as an advocate for fairness who acts as a source of information and referral, and aids in answering individuals' questions, and assists in the resolution of concerns and critical situations.*  The Ombudsman may make recommendations for review or change when trends, patterns, policies, procedures of the court system generate conflicts and/or concerns.

* The Office of the Ombudsman is not authorized to investigate the conduct of Judges or authorized to give legal advice.

Procedures:

Filing: The Ombudsman receives complaints or recommendations in person or by telephone, fax, or regular mail.

Screening: The Ombudsman, when he/she deems it necessary, conducts an interview to gather information about the complaint or recommendation.

Evaluation: The Ombudsman evaluates the issue presented to determine the best course of action including whether the matter requires further examination of the issue or can be resolved with explanatory information.

Examination of Issues: The Ombudsman may conduct an examination, offer an informed explanation or make an appropriate referral.

Referral: The Ombudsman follows established complaint procedures and makes referrals accordingly

Follow-Up: The Ombudsman follows up to ensure that all problems are properly addressed.

Recommendation: The Ombudsman makes recommendations to improve court services based on the public's concerns.

Tenets:

Confidential - Does not keep records
Neutral - Does not advocate for any party - Does not advocate for the Maryland State Judiciary - Promotes fairness and equity
Informal - Does not participate in any formal process - Does not issue judgments or decisions
Independent - Does not represent the Maryland State Judiciary