Judicial Disabilities Complaint Filed by SALI and Other Leading Legal Clinics Addressing Violence Against Women

Sep 10th, 2012

MCASA’s Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) joined the House of Ruth Domestic Violence Legal Clinic and the Women's Law Center in filing a complaint with the Judicial Disabilities Commission against Baltimore County District Court Judge Bruce Lamdin.  Judge Lamdin was aggressive, disrespectful and inappropriate during a hearing on a petition for protection from domestic violence.  The judge repeatedly questioned why the petitioner did not leave her abusive husband, calling into question his ability to fairly and faithfully uphold Maryland’s protective order statute. The House of Ruth describes the basis for our action:

This complaint stems from his horrifying treatment of a domestic violence victim who was seeking a protective order in his courtroom.  During the 30 minutes this woman stood before Judge Lamdin, he berated her, questioned why she didn't go to shelter, insinuated that her name wasn't on the deed of her family home because she had no money and accused her of seeing money as more important than the safety of her children and suggested that a protective order is just a piece of paper that her abuser could shoot her through.

In between sobs, the victim repeatedly tried to explain why she needed a protective order, including the moment when her son, with a hammer in his hand, hid in a closet with his younger brother while her abuser beat her in the other room.  Fortunately, her son was able to call for help.

The vicitim's abuser was in the courtroom while the judge told the victim that the court order wouldn't protect her.  The judge disregarded the victim's safety, the law, and the judicial code of conduct. Judge Lamdin is up for reappointment and MCASA/SALI urges the Governor to choose NOT to reappoint him.  Please add your voice to this effort. 1. Call the Governor's Appointments office at 410-974-2611 and tell him you oppose Judge Lamdin's reappointment -- our judiciary should respect victims of domestic violence and the laws that help keep them safe. 2. Email Governor O'Malley at [email protected]: "I oppose Judge Lamdin's reappointment -- our judiciary should respect victims of domestic violence and the laws that help keep them safe." Thank you for your help and support as we work with our sisters at the bar and in the movement to end violence against women.

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