Editorial Advisory Board: Time to review Maryland’s expungement laws

October 25, 2018 Leave a comment

Since 2015, the Maryland General Assembly has made substantial changes to the criminal record expungement laws. We commend them for this effort, as any record of criminal involvement can serve as a tremendous barrier for obtaining employment and housing. We ...

The secret search for a new Baltimore police commissioner

October 22, 2018 Leave a comment

Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh talks with reporters afrter meeting with Gov. Larry Hogan Monday to discuss ways to combat violence in the city. (Bryan P. Sears)

The lack of trust resulting from the lack of transparency in all matters relating to the Baltimore Police Department is one of the most fundamental problems the city faces.

Tagged with: Baltimore Police Department commissioner crime mayor catherine pugh

Editorial Advisory Board: Helping lawyers after disbarment

September 27, 2018 Leave a comment

Disbarment can be devastating but it should not be a death sentence.

Tagged with: Attorney Grievance Commission Disbarment mental health

Editorial Advisory Board: For whom the bell tolls

September 20, 2018 Leave a comment

President Donald Trump speaks during a cabinet meeting at the White House, Wednesday, Dec. 20, 2017, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

No man or woman is above the law or should be permanently shielded from its reach by occupying the highest office in the land.

Tagged with: crime Donald Trump statute of limitations

The least-diverse Supreme Court ever

August 30, 2018 Leave a comment

In this Oct. 10, 2017 photo, the Supreme Court in Washington is seen at sunset. The Supreme Court is being asked to take a case about whether eye drops are too big. Don’t roll your eyes. Major players in American’s medicine cabinets are now asking the high court to take the case. On the other side are patients using the companies’ drops to treat glaucoma and other conditions. They say wasted medication affects their wallets. They argue they should be able to sue. Drug companies, however, say the patients’ argument is based on speculation and a bottle that doesn’t exist. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

What the court has gained in ethnic and gender diversity over the past generation it has lost in other types of diversity.

Tagged with: Brett Kavanaugh diversity harvard sandra day o'connor yale

Editorial Advisory Board: Time for an update to the Rule on harassment

August 23, 2018 Leave a comment

Whether the Rules Committee adopts the model rule in its entirety or decides to take a more targeted rule like they did in 2005, we believe it is time for the Rules Committee to revisit Maryland’s Rule on misconduct.

Tagged with: american bar association harassment maryland rules Maryland State Bar Association

Editorial Advisory Board: The right reversal by the FOP

August 14, 2018 Leave a comment

A police officer removes crime scene tape blocking Eastern Avenue after a fire at the old Pemco building in East Baltimore. (The Daily Record / Maximilian Franz)

In March, the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office launched a new policy requiring city officers to answer a questionnaire regarding past misconduct.

Tagged with: Baltimore fraternal order of police trials