Baltimore judge suspended for 'uncontrollable incivility'

The Maryland Court of Appeals has imposed a six-month suspension of Baltimore District Court Judge Devy Patterson Russell citing a “pattern of discourtesy” and “uncontrollable incivility.” The ruling of Maryland’s highest court dictates that Russell’s suspension will be without pay. Maryland district judges currently earn $146,333 annually.

The ruling follows a 26-page report filed by the Commission on Judicial Disabilities filed in December which reported in detail on many instances of wrongdoing on the part of Russell. The commission stated, “The comments and behaviors of Judge Russell were undignified, uncooperative, discourteous, demeaning, and clearly demonstrate a pattern of serious violations of the Maryland Code.”