Chief Judge Alfred Nance has long been known for for his stern courtroom demeanor. But according to the state’s Commission on Judicial Disabilities, which investigates complaints against judges, his comments in several court trials in 2015 went too far, and are worthy of his removal from the bench.
A top federal appellate judge native to Baltimore is leaving his post and title of “honorable” behind to represent the Baltimore City government, Mayor Catherine Pugh announced Wednesday morning.
Maryland court officers can no longer order that defendants be held ahead of trial on bail that they cannot afford, the state’s top court ruled yesterday.
Two weeks from next Tuesday, eligible Americans will pick the next leader of the free world, as well as new senators, representatives and mayors, among others. Here in Baltimore, the City Board of Elections still needs judges at polling places around the city to make sure the process goes smoothly.
At the beginning and end of each day, the judge implored us not to discuss the case with anyone. But when he finally dismissed us from the dusty climes of the Mitchell Courthouse back into our lives, he lifted the ban. In fact, he urged us to tell our friends, neighbors, and families what we had done, because we had performed an essential and noble duty of citizenship.
But what had we done, after all? Nothing to brag about, I’m afraid.
