Circuit Court

In Maryland, a Circuit Court is a court of general jurisdiction. That Court hears all jury trial, serious criminal, complex civil, and family law cases. That is to say, in Maryland, all jury trials (criminal or civil), all serious criminal trials (typically for felonies), all civil suits complex or for more than $30,000), and all divorce/custody of children/child visitation cases are tried before a Circuit Court Judge.

Additionally, a Circuit Court hears juvenile cases, appeals from the District Court (either based on the record of the District Court trial, or all over again- "de novo"), and appeals from the Orphans' Court and other administrative agencies.

Thus, it would be illogical, indeed some might say foolish, to have a Circuit Court Judge that had never been lead counsel in a jury trial, never tried a serious criminal case, never tried a complex civil case, never tried a contested divorce, and never handled a custody or visitation matter.

In Maryland, unlike the relatively shorter terms for a Governor or Mayor, a Circuit Court Judge is elected to stand for 15 years. Why would ANY county want less than a full range of experience in all of the case types that the Circuit Court hears?

I can't think of a good reason either.

We are hiring a person, an individual, to handle some of the most important issues in Wicomico County. Let us make sure we hire the best, most qualified, experienced person we can. So much is riding on our selection.

Vote for M.J. Caldwell