Photo credit - Wikipedia - Md historical trust & Washington County Bar Association
Nearly a year has passed since the tragic death of Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson, a devastating incident that has brought to light the increasing risks faced by judges and court officials in the line of duty. Judge Wilkinson was fatally shot in his driveway just hours after presiding over a contentious family law case in Washington County, Maryland. This heartbreaking event spurred the Maryland Senate to take action, resulting in the passage of the Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson Judicial Security Act with overwhelming support.
While time has passed, the dangers faced by judges remain as pressing as ever. This law, enacted in response to Judge Wilkinson’s death, addresses a long-standing need to protect judicial officers, who are often vulnerable due to the nature of their roles. The passage of this bill reflects Maryland's enduring commitment to ensuring the safety of those who serve to uphold justice—not only within the state, but across the nation. The Maryland Senate's decisive 43-1 vote underscores the urgency of protecting those who safeguard the rule of law.
Rising Threats Against Judges and the Legal Community
Judges are increasingly becoming the targets of threats and violence. Across the country, judicial officers—along with court officials and prosecutors—have reported a sharp rise in such incidents. Data from the U.S. Marshals Service reveals that threats against these professionals have increased fivefold from 2015 to 2021. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need to protect not only judges, but everyone involved in the administration of justice.
In response to these growing concerns, Maryland Supreme Court Chief Justice Matthew Fader has been outspoken about the risks judges face when their personal information is easily accessible online, this is a crucial step in addressing these vulnerabilities and closing the gaps in protection for judicial officers and their families.
The Act identifies several forms of personally identifiable information (PII) that will now be shielded from public disclosure, including home addresses, phone numbers, and license plates. It also extends protections to sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, the locations of judges' children’s schools, and unpublished contact details, ensuring these remain out of public reach.
While the Act is focused on protecting judges, it’s essential to recognize that judicial security extends to everyone involved in the legal system. Jason DeLoach, past president of the Maryland State Bar Association, highlighted that ensuring the safety of judges ultimately benefits everyone within the courthouse, from attorneys and court staff to the public. As these efforts continue to evolve, Maryland has also established a judicial security task force under Chief Justice Fader’s leadership. This task force will explore further measures to enhance security, including improvements in personnel and facility upgrades.
The passage of the Judge Andrew F. Wilkinson Judicial Security Act marks a significant step toward safeguarding judges and enabling them to perform their duties without fear of retaliation. The ability to serve without intimidation or threats is vital to the integrity of our judicial system. While no system is flawless, these ongoing efforts aim to create a safer environment for everyone in the legal community, ensuring that justice can be served in the face of rising dangers. There is a strong push for greater personal security for Maryland's circuit court judges, highlighting the need for judicial reform. As part of this ongoing debate, some advocate for ending contested elections for judges, suggesting a shift toward a different appointment process. A workgroup established by the judiciary is set to present recommendations by 2025
Commentaires