Judge Eugene Wolfe Named Administrative Judge

(ANNAPOLIS, MD — January 4, 2006) District Court Judge Eugene Wolfe has been named administrative judge of District 6, which serves Montgomery County. Chief Judge of the District Court Ben C. Clyburn designated Judge Wolfe as administrative judge effective January 1, 2006.

Judge Wolfe had served as an associate judge since June 2001. His designation as administrative judge became effective upon the retirement of Judge Cornelius J. Vaughey, who had served in that capacity since 1992. Judge Vaughey retired on December 31, 2005.

“I’m looking forward to continuing the great tradition Judge Vaughey established in his tenure of serving the citizens of Montgomery County,” Judge Wolfe said.

Before his appointment to the bench, Judge Wolfe served as District Public Defender for Montgomery County (1994-2000) and was Chief Counsel, Administration for the Office of the Public Defender (2000-2001).

“Judge Wolfe brings to this position an extensive mix of administrative and judicial experience,” Judge Clyburn said. “Judge Wolfe’s greatest strength is that he is a compassionate listener and has an excellent history in dealing with the bar associations, the police, the detention center, and all of the stakeholders in the criminal justice system. He is also a very inclusive person who will seek out other people’s opinions before making a decision.”

A 1973 graduate of Howard University, Judge Wolfe earned his law degree from Catholic University’s Columbus School of Law in 1977.

Prior to being named administrative judge, Judge Vaughey served as an associate District Court judge (1984-1992), domestic relations master for the Montgomery County Circuit Court (1980-1984), and was a member of the Rockville Board of Appeals (1973-1976). During his tenure as administrative judge, Judge Vaughey said he worked to make the courts more inclusive while doing his best to ensure that anyone who entered the District Court for Montgomery County was treated equally.

“The biggest change I’ve seen since I became a lawyer is the relationship between the judges and the lawyers,” Judge Vaughey said. “Judges back in the 1960s were more standoffish, while today the relationships are more friendly with a greater understanding for one another.

“I think Judge Wolfe will do very well as administrative judge. He was already an administrator with the public defenders’ office, and he already has the respect of the judges, clerks, and supervisors. That’s two-thirds of the job right there.”

A 1961 graduate of Villanova University, Judge Vaughey earned his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1965.

“Judge Vaughey was always concerned about conveying a positive image of the judicial branch,” Judge Clyburn said. “He was also a leader in innovative dockets and was a fair administrator who sought to deliver equal justice to all.”

For more information, contact the Court Information Office at 410-260-1488.

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