Constitution now bars newly elected Orphans Court judge from serving
January 4, 2011
Maryland: Months after the November general election, newly elected Ramona Moore Baker expected to receive her commission from Governor Martin O'Malley. An unusual situation in the state prevents the Governor from providing the commission without breaking the law, however. Voters overwhelmingly approved Question 3 on the statewide ballot, a constitutional amendment that prevents non-lawyers from serving on the Orphans Court. This applies to Moore Baker, who is not a lawyer.[1]
Ramona Moore Baker responded that she had not heard of this possibility and considered it hearsay until the Office of the Governor contacted her. A spokesperson for the Governor said, "The governor will follow the guidance of the attorney general, which is not to issue a commission for this appointment."[1]
An outside observer of the situation noted that Moore Baker is no longer qualified to serve in the position she was elected to and it will now fall on Governor Martin O'Malley to appoint a judge to fill the vacancy.[1]
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