THE SITTING JUDGE PRINCIPLE

Vote to Retain Judge Beckstead and Judge Maciarello in the 2018 Election.

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This Principle has proven to be a tried and reliable way of insuring that only the most highly qualified lawyers are selected to serve as judges in our Circuit Court. The Constitution of Maryland demands that our judges be lawyers "most distinguished for integrity, wisdom and sound legal knowledge." This Principle has helped to ensure that our judges meet the highest standards, while promoting an independent judiciary comprised of individuals who have subjected themselves to rigorous scrutiny and examination by peers, community members and ultimately, the Governor.

To help remove the judiciary from an overtly political process, judges are appointed to the trial and appellate courts from a pool of applicants who have proven that they meet the constitutional requirements after being subject to a detailed and vigorous screening process by judicial commissions made up of both lawyers and non-lawyers. The Governor, by Executive Order, appoints judges to the bench from lists of qualified nominees submitted by trial and appellate court nominating commissions. These judges serve from the date they take the oath of office until the first election that occurs at least one year from the date of the vacancy they filled. If elected, the judges then serve a 15-year term of office.

The procedure for appointment and subsequent election (the Sitting Judge Principle) affords the legal community and the public at large the opportunity to observe the conduct of these highly qualified judges during the actual performance of their judicial duties. Therefore, Sitting Judges run for office on the basis of their records and may be elected based upon their individual qualifications, experience and competence. Because the elections are non-partisan, Sitting Judges cross-file on both party’s ballots, without any designation of party affiliation or status as a Sitting Judge. You should know that the "Sitting Judge Principle" has been endorsed by both Democratic and Republican officials, as well as by the Maryland State Bar Association.

Core Value ...

Impartiality

Core Value ...

Integrity

Core Value ...

Dignity

Core Value ...

Fairness

Judges Beckstead and Maciarello Strive to Maintain the Dignity of Judicial Office

The Committee To Retain Wicomico's Judges takes seriously the standards set out by the Maryland Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee (MDJCCC). It is the Committee's wish that this campaign promotes civil conduct in judicial elections and upholds judicial impartiality. All information contained on this website is presented as accurately as possible in order to comply with MDJCCC standards and Maryland election laws.



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