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No One Is Watching: How Montgomery County’s Family Court Operates Without External Oversight, and What Happens to the People Who Notice

An investigation reveals a significant accountability gap in Maryland’s family court system, where civil rights complaints against judges lack external oversight and transparency. Complaints filed are often sealed and unreported, leading to systemic noncompliance without recourse for litigants. This raises critical issues about judicial accountability and the structures that enable potential misconduct.

No One Is Watching: How Montgomery County’s Family Court Operates Without External Oversight, and What Happens to the People Who Notice Read More

Why Are Judges So Protected From Public Accountability?

Judicial misconduct remains obscured by a veil of secrecy, allowing judges to evade accountability unlike police or teachers. This lack of transparency undermines public trust in the justice system. To restore integrity, reforms are needed, including public records of misconduct, independent oversight, and real consequences for violations, ensuring judges are held accountable.

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