Judge Baynes and Judge Murry won both the Republican and Democratic primaries and will not have any opposition in the November general election. This is good news for all who practice law in Cecil county, Maryland!!

The Cecil County, Maryland Circuit Court bench is almost complete with the recent appointment of Jane Murray as the newest Associate Judge. Due to the passing of Judge Richard Eli Jackson and the retirements of Judge Dexter M. Thompson, Jr. and Judge O. Robert Lidums, we now have three new Circuit Court judges. Judge Murray joins now Administrative Judge V. Michael Whelan, now our most senior judge, and Judge Keith A. Baynes, also recently appointed. Judge Whelan was recently elected to a 15 year term. 

Maryland judges are appointed by the Governor and Circuit Court appointees must then stand for election to a 15 year term. Judge Baynes and Judge Murray must now stand for election in the 2012 general election and it is anticipated to be a spirited process as one of our local Delegates is expected to mount a challenge for one of the positions. Other lawyers may join in the fray for these judicial seats with lucrative salaries and pension benefits, so stand by for updates.