Did You Know...

… A collection of facts about programs, activities, and other endeavors throughout the Judiciary with a focus on equal justice.

The theme of the 2021 Maryland Judicial Conference was Social Justice.

Conference Program

 

Topics

  • Society at a Tipping Point: Race, Class & the Way Forward
  • Judges as Leaders or Merely Wel-Meaning Ents?
  • COVID-19: Widening Economic Inequity and the Court's Role
  • Ensuring Justice for All: Guidance for Inclusion of People with Disabilities Comint to Court
  • Implicit Bias and Procedural Fairness
  • Respecting LGBTQ+ Litigants and Counsel in the Courtroom
  • The Use of Pre-Trial Risk Assessments and Maryland Sentencing Guidelines to Avoid Inequity in the Courtroom
  • YOU can be the Difference...
The Cecil County Circuit Court participated in seminars and training sessions made possible by its community partners. The sessions included “How to be an Antiracist” by X. Kendi and a race equity presentation by Dr. Harrison of Al DuPont Hospital.
 
The District Court in Baltimore City operates a Homeless Persons Diversion program in its early resolution court twice a month. The crime must meet certain eligibility criteria and arise from homelessness. Several treatment providers, such as Health Care for the Homeless, Maryland Center for Veteran Education and Training, Catholic Charities, and Gaudenzia are on site to meet with the defendants. Upon successful completion of treatment, the case is nolle prossed after 90 days.
 
The Prince George’s County Family Justice Center expanded its partnership with the Office of the State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County by serving as the point of entry and referral/coordinating agency for its Human Trafficking Diversion Program. This initiative was established to address concerns involving victims of human trafficking and/or commercial sex workers in need of services. Victims of human trafficking who are arrested for prostitution are afforded the opportunity to have charges dropped upon completion of an individualized treatment plan coordinated by one of three human trafficking organizations co-located in the Center. 
 

…..Veteran’s Courts

The Maryland District Court offers voluntary based programs for veterans charged with misdemeanor offenses.  The mission of Veteran’s Court is to serve the community and increase public safety by offering treatment and support for those with prior military experience who have substance use disorders and/or mental health issues.  In lieu of incarceration, the court brings together numerous service providers who offer programs, benefits and other services needed.  The veteran is often matched with a volunteer veteran mentor who will support the veteran as s/he progresses through the program.  Many have graduated with great success from Veteran Court. 

…..Drug Treatment Court

The Baltimore City Drug Treatment Court is one of the oldest in the country and seeks to provide an alternative to incarceration for those charged with a drug involved crime.   In 2019, DTC celebrated its 25th year of assisting thousands of participants in addressing substance abuse issues.  The goal of the DTC is to assist nonviolent offenders who suffer from substance abuse with recovery from addiction and to rehabilitate participants who present a low risk to public safety to become productive, self-sustaining members of society, as well as, to “break the cycle” of recidivism.  While under court supervision, the DTC will work with community programs to provide treatment programs and support services including assistance with employment, educational programs, housing, recommendations for healthcare, and social service assistance.  Upon successfully completing the program, the DTC provides a distinguished graduation ceremony giving praise, applause and even reduced sentencing to the proud participant. The program’s new motto is “Choose to Live.”