The following is a continuation of – ‘How It Started’
Introduction:
The role of a Harford County Family Court judge is to impartially support the law while considering, first and foremost, the best interests of children. When one of our judges not only allows but actively participates in the denigration of a father’s or mother’s long-term recovery from an alcohol and/or substance use disorder, they not only demonstrate a bias towards those in recovery, but they also raise other serious ethical concerns. In this particular case, it is further complicated by the judge’s membership in a Harford County businessmen’s charitable organization that claims to be dedicated to family services, mental health, and addiction. The inconsistency between the judge’s courtroom behavior and the mission of this organization highlights a profound hypocrisy that calls into question the integrity of both the judge and the organization itself.
Denigration of Recovery
- Active Participation in Prejudice: The judge’s role should be to ensure fair treatment of both parties. Instead, by allowing an attorney to subvert the father’s long-term recovery, the judge not only fails to fulfill this duty but also endangers the relationship between the father and his young son. This undermines the very fabric of family integrity that the court is supposed to protect.
- Impact on Family Dynamics: Denigrating a parent’s recovery can have long-lasting effects on a child’s well-being. By actively participating in this denigration, the judge sends a message that recovery is not valued in the Harford County Family Court System. In fact, it encourages attorneys to weaponize long-term recovery, knowing the judge will allow it. This contradicts the principles of rehabilitation and support that are crucial for family stability.
Hypocrisy of the Charitable Organization
- Contradiction to Mission Statement: The judge’s actions starkly contrast the mission statement of the charitable organization of which he is a member. This Harford County businessmen’s charitable organization claims to focus on family and child services, mental health, and addiction – areas where empathy and support are paramount. By participating in court proceedings that undermine a father’s recovery, the judge not only acts contrary to the spirit of this mission but also raises questions about the organization’s commitment to its stated values.
- Awareness of Organizational Members: This is a 501(c) (3) non-profit formalized by this Harford County group of businessmen, some of whom are attorneys and elected officials. Therefore, it is essential to consider whether other members of the charitable organization are aware of the judge’s actions in court. If they are unaware, this situation presents a moral dilemma: how can an organization that prides itself on supporting families and individuals in recovery allow a member to act in direct opposition to these values? If they are aware and remain silent, it raises further questions about the organization’s integrity and commitment to its mission.
Conclusion
The hypocrisy displayed by this Harford County Family Court judge in denigrating a father’s recovery contradicts the core values 0f the family court system. This discrepancy not only reflects poorly on the judge but also casts a shadow on the charitable organization that claims to uphold these values. It is imperative for both the judge and the organization to align their actions with their stated principles. Failing to do so not only diminish the credibility of the judicial system but also jeopardizes the very families and individuals they profess to support.
Addressing this hypocrisy is crucial for restoring faith in both the judicial system and this organization’s dedication to family well-being and recovery. It’s one thing for this charitable organization to present ‘oversized’ checks to recovery organizations, but it’s quite another if any member isn’t “walking the talk.”
Failure to address this situation reveals two far-reaching impediments. One, that the judge’s denigration and the stigmatizing of parents in long-term recovery will continue unabated. And two, this charitable organization’s credibility is lost to the ages, and the ‘oversized’ checks were merely self-serving.Don’t Be a Hypocrite – Take the Pledge -tab
