For Immediate Release

ANNAPOLIS (December 13, 2002) – Judge Thurman H. Rhodes has been appointed Administrative Judge for the District Court in Prince George’s County (District Five) effective January 1, 2003.  He replaces Judge Frank M. Kravotil, who is retiring.

The appointment was made by Judge James N. Vaughan, Chief Judge of the District Court, with the concurrence of Court of Appeals Chief Judge Robert M. Bell.

In announcing the appointment, Judge Vaughan had praise for both Judge Kravotil and his successor.  “In the dozen years that he had responsibility for administration of the district, Judge Kravotil showed exceptional leadership,” Judge Vaughan said.  “As the case load has increased over the past decade, he has been instrumental in maintaining the efficiency of the court.”

Judge Vaughan said, “For his part, Judge Rhodes has demonstrated that he is a committed and capable judge.  He brings strong administrative and leadership skills to this new responsibility, and I am confident that he will build on Judge Kravotil’s efforts to make the District Court more efficient and timely.”

Judge Rhodes has been on the bench since May 1988.  He has served on the Maryland Judicial Conference’s Child Support Enforcement Committee from 1994-97 (chair, 1994-95), Civil Law and Procedure Committee from 1997-present (currently chair), and the Mental Health, Alcoholism and Addiction Committee.

A graduate of Morgan State College and Catholic University School of Law, he was associate general counsel to the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, a member of the Attorney Grievance Commission, and an assistant attorney general.

The District Court of Maryland serves all 24 jurisdictions in the state.  It hears landlord-tenant cases, replevin (recovery of goods) actions, motor vehicle cases, misdemeanors and some felony charges.