Md. Court Orders Judge To Stop Hearing Cases

BALTIMORE (AP) -- A Maryland court barred a judge from hearing cases after the state's chief public defender complained the judge ordered a court security officer to shock a defendant.

Public Defender Paul DeWolfe said in a news release last month that he received a transcript of the incident July 23 in Charles County Circuit Court. DeWolfe quoted it as saying Judge Robert Nalley ordered the shocking as the defendant argued in court and the transcript reads, "DEFENDANT SCREAMS."

The Maryland Court of Appeals rescinded Nalley's ability to hear cases Friday. Its order does not state a reason other than "good cause having been shown."

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