Baltimore, December 9, 2025
Governor Wes Moore has appointed four new judges to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court and the Baltimore City District Court, enhancing the judiciary with experienced legal professionals. The new appointees include Judge Sidney A. Butcher for Anne Arundel County and Judges Otis Freeman, Elizabeth López, and Noelle W. Newman for Baltimore City, all selected for their diverse backgrounds and strong commitment to justice. This reshaping of the judiciary aims to improve the efficiency and fairness of the court systems in the region.
Baltimore’s Judiciary Receives Experienced Boost with New Appointments
Governor Wes Moore has appointed four new judges to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court and the Baltimore City District Court, enhancing the judiciary with experienced legal professionals.
Appointments Overview
- Anne Arundel County Circuit Court: The Honorable Sidney A. Butcher has been appointed to fill a vacancy on the Circuit Court bench.
- Baltimore City District Court: Three new judges have been appointed: Otis Freeman, Elizabeth López, and Noelle W. Newman.
Professional Backgrounds
- Sidney A. Butcher: A seasoned legal professional with extensive experience in family law and civil litigation, Judge Butcher has served as a magistrate in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, handling high-volume dockets involving custody, divorce, and protective order matters.
- Otis Freeman: Known for his work in criminal defense and community-based justice programs, Judge Freeman has previously served as an assistant public defender and worked on criminal justice reform initiatives in Baltimore.
- Elizabeth López: With a background in public defense and prosecution, Judge López has been recognized for her commitment to fairness and justice in the Baltimore community.
- Noelle W. Newman: An experienced attorney with a focus on civil litigation and public service, Judge Newman has contributed significantly to legal education and community outreach programs.
Governor’s Statement
Governor Moore expressed confidence in the appointees’ abilities, stating that their collective experience—from public defense to prosecution and federal service—has prepared them well for the bench. He emphasized that these leaders bring deep legal knowledge and a commitment to fairness in our courts, which will strengthen the justice system and improve outcomes for Marylanders.
Context and Background
These appointments continue Governor Moore’s efforts to reshape Maryland’s judiciary by selecting individuals with diverse legal backgrounds and a dedication to public service. The appointments aim to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the court systems in Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City, addressing the need for experienced judges to manage complex caseloads and uphold the rule of law.
Related Developments
In related news, Judge Karla N. Smith has been named the administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, effective March 14, 2026, following the retirement of Judge James A. Bonifant. This appointment reflects ongoing efforts to ensure effective court administration and leadership within Maryland’s judicial system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who are the new judges appointed to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court and Baltimore City District Court?
Governor Wes Moore has appointed four new judges: The Honorable Sidney A. Butcher to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, and Otis Freeman, Elizabeth López, and Noelle W. Newman to the Baltimore City District Court.
What are the professional backgrounds of the new appointees?
Sidney A. Butcher has extensive experience in family law and civil litigation, having served as a magistrate in the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Otis Freeman is known for his work in criminal defense and community-based justice programs. Elizabeth López has a background in public defense and prosecution, recognized for her commitment to fairness and justice in Baltimore. Noelle W. Newman is an experienced attorney with a focus on civil litigation and public service, contributing significantly to legal education and community outreach programs.
What did Governor Moore say about the new appointments?
Governor Moore expressed confidence in the appointees’ abilities, stating that their collective experience—from public defense to prosecution and federal service—has prepared them well for the bench. He emphasized that these leaders bring deep legal knowledge and a commitment to fairness in our courts, which will strengthen the justice system and improve outcomes for Marylanders.
How do these appointments fit into Governor Moore’s broader judicial reform efforts?
These appointments continue Governor Moore’s efforts to reshape Maryland’s judiciary by selecting individuals with diverse legal backgrounds and a dedication to public service. The appointments aim to enhance the efficiency and fairness of the court systems in Anne Arundel County and Baltimore City, addressing the need for experienced judges to manage complex caseloads and uphold the rule of law.
Are there any related developments in Maryland’s judiciary?
Yes, in related news, Judge Karla N. Smith has been named the administrative judge for the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, effective March 14, 2026, following the retirement of Judge James A. Bonifant. This appointment reflects ongoing efforts to ensure effective court administration and leadership within Maryland’s judicial system.
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