Retired Judge Charlotte Cooksey has been inducted into the 2023 Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame. Her contributions to justice, particularly for disenfranchised women and individuals with mental illness in the criminal justice system, have earned her this recognition. The Maryland Commission for Women is hosting a virtual recognition on their website, while a reception will be held at the Government House of Maryland.
In a video message, Judge Cooksey expressed gratitude for her induction: “I’d like to thank the Commission, for selecting me for induction into the Maryland Women’s Hall of Fame,” she said. She highlighted the judiciary's role in identifying community issues affecting various sectors including corrections and public mental health systems.
District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey praised Judge Cooksey's pioneering efforts: “While serving the District Court, Judge Cooksey was on the cutting edge in recognizing how the courts play a pivotal role in supporting litigants of all backgrounds and conditions," he stated.
Judge Cooksey began her tenure as an associate judge in Baltimore City’s District Court in 1983 at age 35. She served until 2008, spending her last six years as presiding judge of Baltimore’s Mental Health Court, which she established as Maryland's first problem-solving court.