Legal Ethics
Back on Bench, Md. Judge Dials It Down But Still Cares
Posted Jul 2, 2008, 04:20 pm CST
By Martha Neil
Suspended without pay for 30 work days for uncivil and profane language—the harshest punishment handed out to a Maryland judge in more than 20 years—Baltimore County District Judge Bruce Lamdin was subdued today, his first day back on the bench.
He did advise one defendant to listen to his lawyer, warning the young man awaiting sentencing on a marijuana charge that "it may come back to bite you in the shorts" if he disregards his counsel's advice. But practitioners said he seemed to have toned down, while at the same time retaining some of his trademark straight-shooting style and concern about defendants' overall lives, reports the Baltimore Sun.
"He knows how to talk to people in a way that gets their attention and makes them listen," says defense attorney Richard Scott. "I know a lot of people don't see it that way, but sometimes people need a whack in the head to come to their senses. He only does it because he cares."
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: "Judge Suspended for Inappropriate, Joking Comments"
ABAJournal.com: "Judge's Joking Went Too Far"