Baltimore, Maryland: Judge Barry G. Williams has been appointed head of the Criminal Division of Maryland's 8th Judicial Circuit Court, effective January 2, 2012. Williams has served as an associate judge of this court, which presides over Baltimore City, since December of 2005. Administrative judge Marcella A. Holland announced the appointment, stating, "I believe that Judge Williams will continue the tradition of strong, excellent leadership in this, the most demanding division of our court."[1] He will replace Judge M. Brooke Murdock, who led the court for the past two years. In his new role, Williams will be responsible for assigning judges, managing the criminal docket and serving as chair of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council.[1]
