The Circuit Court for Baltimore City has initiated a mediation pilot program aimed at enhancing access to justice for individuals involved in criminal misdemeanor cases. This initiative, led by Circuit Judge Edward R. K. Hargadon, offers mediation services through the Baltimore Community Mediation Center at no cost to litigants. The program covers various disputes, including neighborhood, business, family, and landlord/tenant issues but excludes firearms, narcotics, and domestic violence cases.
Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera stated: “The Judiciary is committed to developing innovative programs that enhance access to justice throughout the state.” She emphasized that Judge Hargadon’s pilot program aligns with their vision of an accessible court system providing efficient and fair justice.
The primary goal of the mediation pilot is to help resolve criminal misdemeanor cases within 30 days without going to trial. It is a collaborative effort involving the Baltimore City Circuit Court, MACRO (Mediation and Conflict Resolution Office), the Public Defender’s Office, the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Baltimore Community Mediation Center. Mediation aims to resolve disputes effectively and prevent them from escalating or perpetuating if taken to trial.
Baltimore Community Mediation Center's partner sites across the city will host mediation sessions for accessibility. Participation in these sessions is voluntary, with confidentiality assured during discussions. Administrative Judge W. Michel Pierson noted: “This program provides litigants the opportunity to address issues related to cases on their own accord without relying on criminal justice resources.”
Judge Hargadon conceptualized this mediation approach after attending a skills training course in late 2016. While some defendants receive mediation opportunities within District Court jurisdiction through the State’s Attorney’s Office, this option was previously unavailable for cases transferred to Circuit Court due to jury trial requests. According to judiciary data since fiscal year 2015, over 10,000 jury trials have been requested.
Judge Hargadon remarked: “Mediation gives litigants involved in lesser misdemeanor cases another option in resolving legal issues... This program encourages litigants to be proactive about developing solutions that keep cases from returning to court with subsequent criminal charges.”