"The Robing Room: MD State Judges

Hon. Ronald A. Silkworth	See Rating Details
Circuit Judge Circuit Court
Anne Arundel County 5th Circuit	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 5.9 - 23 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 3.0 - 11 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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Only items marked with (*) are averaged into the displayed overall rating.

General Rating Criteria

* Temperament		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Scholarship		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Industriousness		(1=Not at all industrious,10=Highly industrious)
* Ability to Handle Complex Litigation		(1=Awful,10=Excellent)
* Punctuality		(1=Chronically Late,10=Always on Time)
* General Ability to Handle Pre-Trial Matters		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
* General Ability as a Trial Judge		(1=Not all Able, 10=Extremely Able)
Flexibility In Scheduling		(1=Completely Inflexible,10=Very Flexible)

Criminal Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Criminal Litigation		(1=Demonstrates Bias,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
General Inclination Regarding Bail		(1=Pro-Defense,10=Pro-Government)
Involvement in Plea Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved, 10=Very Involved)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Pretrial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Trial Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)
General Inclination in Criminal Cases Sentencing Stage		(1=Pro-prosecution,10=Pro-defense)

Civil Rating Criteria (if applicable)

* Evenhandedness in Civil Litigation		(1=Not at all Evenhanded,10=Entirely Evenhanded)
Involvement in Settlement Discussions		(1=Not at all Involved,10=Very Involved)
General Inclination		(1=Pro-defendant, 10=Pro-plaintiff)

Comments

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What others have said about Hon. Ronald A. Silkworth

Comments

Other

Comment #: MD8387
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
horrible judge and hates women in divorce cases. he must have had a bad mother in his childhool. 3 other women in annapolis have stated he hates women. wont let women in divorce cases have witnesses to speak. but will roll the red carpet out for the plaintiff's witnesses.

Other

Comment #: MD8382
Rating:1.0

Comments:
How can one have faith in the judicial system with a Judge like Ronald Silkworth. He ignores the law. He deliberately confuses you on the stand to get the answer he wants. He objects to evidence and refuses to hear facts from the side he is ruling against. He blatantly over ruled another judge’s order without knowing all of the evidence. His lack of competency shows. He contradicts himself through the whole opinion and order. He appears to be gender biased toward men and totally ignores any inappropriate behavior from men and attacks women for everything. For the best interest of a child - he needs to stay retired.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD8318
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Comment #: MD8317

You just described rtd. Dishonorable Judge Paul F. Harris Jr. perfectly. Seems to be a common theme in AACC as the evidence proves. ;-)

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD8317
Rating:2.0

Comments:
Should remain in retired status. Ignores the law. Biased toward men. Asks inappropriate leading questions to witnesses to support the rulings he wants to make - appears to deliberately confuse witnesses to get the answers he wants. Will not allow counsel to redirect after his biased and inappropriate questioning. Highly inappropriate conduct for a judge who should listen to both sides and make a decision instead of helping the lawyer he wants to win the case by conducting a long series of leading and inappropriate questions to witnesses.’

Other

Comment #: MD7460
Rating:1.0

Comments:
If you are in a family custody situation and you are a drug addict or an abuser this is the judge for you! He will have his mind made up to side with you as the abuser and/or addict before you even step foot in the court room! He won’t hear any testimonies, witnesses, depositions nor will he believe the child.

Other

Comment #: MD7087
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Silkworth was a one sided judge. He took the side of the father without hearing testimony from the mother. He disregarded everything the kids said because he felt they were "coached" to say what they said in court. Because of him and Judge McCormack my kids are now in counseling and miserable. The courts need to change the laws to allow children over the age of 12 to have a choice in whether or not they want to visit with the other parent. They should not be forced to go anywhere they don't want to be. Judge Silkworth defintely shows favoritism towards men. Even when the father walks away from his children and tries to blame the mom for why he didn't see his kids. He doesn't make the other party at fault accountable for their actions. Thanks Judge Silkworth for adding to my kids misery.

Other

Comment #: MD6890
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Thankfully after years of appearing by Silkworth (I was the custodian of a drug addicts child) I filed for adoption in Calvert County and it was granted in August. The parents have a limited post adoption agreement because due to my fear of the court system brought on by Silkworth, even after having the child for 6 years I feared anything could happen. Thankfully the judge in Calvert was NOTHING like Silkworth and that instilled fear only needed to be applied when appearing before Silworth-less!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD6887
Rating:1.8

Comments:
He is utterly misoginistic and totally blinded by bias and outright hatred toward women

Other

Comment #: MD6615
Rating:1.0

Comments:
As a person he seemed like any other normal guy. As a judge, a bit incompetent. He did not know MD Motor vehicle law stating "a speed sign is not a traffic control device" contrary to MD Transp.Law 11-167 stating any sign is a traffic control device. Judge also ignored compelling and truthful testimony making up hi own version of what happen contrary testimony of 1st person view with no other evidenced to say otherwise. As for the criminal side of this particular case, Judge Silkworth ignored evidence of the crime and made up his own opinionated version of laws, not what was established in MD law and case law.

I cant say the defendant was a true criminal but he did endanger the life of an officer with his actions and lack of and that should of been punished.

Other

Comment #: MD6493
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This judge needs to be removed, he is horrible! Agrees that drug addicts should have custody of a child returned to them after years of being absent and continuous drug use. Punishes the people doing the right thing. Orders people to go even more out of their way than they already have.

Other

Comment #: MD6489
Rating:9.0

Comments:
Great guy and one of the best judges in a long time. Will be on an appellate courtK soon.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD6198
Rating:9.5

Comments:
This Judge knows the law and also understands equity. When he does not see things as I do, I rethink my position. This is a very god judge for attorneys who know what they are doing. He is not very forgiving for idiots with a law degree.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD5874
Rating:4.8

Comments:
Won't make a decision

Other

Comment #: MD5811
Rating:3.0

Comments:
Silkworths ruling on the pastry pistol by the child is ridiculous on the face of it. Having played "cops and robbers", "cowboys and Indians" for years as a child, NOT ONE person ever considered it "disruptive" or offensive.
The Judge and others are devoid of balance or wisdom when they attack such innocent play. Disgusting abuse of power. David Gillis MD PHD MPH

Litigant

Comment #: MD5125
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
MD5213--- Welcome to common sense is not so common in either court. Communication is non existent and you will be the one blamed for not filing within proper time frame though contradictory answers from two different judges remain the issue.

Litigant

Comment #: MD5123
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Filed for protective order and for relief requested emergency change of custody. District court judge Mosley said matters involving custodial issues must be heard before circuit court. Filed motion for ex parte emergency custody hearing, was told by silkworth, "circuit court doesn't rule on these matters, should be addressed in district court.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD5093
Rating:8.3

Comments:
Tried a 7 day case before Judge Silkworth. He was fair in his decisions and let us try our case. Nice temperament. Also, thoughtful in his decisions regarding some difficult evidentiary questions.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD5037
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
mr. silkworthless...First of all he is a complete and total coward! The day he read his opinion he made sure to have a sheriff's deputy in the courtroom because he knew that he was wrong and that anyone would have the right to be angry about it. He doesn't know what he is doing but even worse he doesn't even care. The way he conducts hearings proves how unqualified he actually is and then he hides behind his authority like a scared little mouse. He doesn't care about children. He feels sorry for criminals and caters to them because he is basically one himself. He abuses his authority on every level. He doesn't take anything into consideration because he is too stupid to actually know how. He has his predetermined outcomes and he is extremely biased so no one actually gets a fair trial especially the children. If you could somehow convert his ability to properly and fairly preside over a hearing into rocket fuel there wouldn't be enough to propel a piss ant's minibike half way around a grain of sand.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD3755
Rating:10.0

Comments:
His Honorable Judge Ronald Silkworth is the first and only judge in almost seven years, to preside over my case, and offer an empathetic and fair view in helping matters to work out and bring the situation "together". Any other judge presiding in the past time period has been less than pro-active, and non-productive, with zero interest of all parties involved, most importantly the children.

Other

Comment #: MD2249
Rating:10.0

Comments:
He was very fair. I watched him in court for five years. He could not have been better.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD2235
Rating:9.0

Comments:
I have expressed no opinion as to rating criteria other than temperament here, because I have only had one matter before Judge Silkworth and I don't feel that ratings for the other criteria would be representative; however, I found him to be thoughtful and respectful to all parties involved. It is easy to claim that a judge is inclined toward plaintiffs, or toward criminal defendants or toward women, especially if one is unhappy with the outcome of their particular case. If I were appearing before Judge Silkworth and I felt that he was showing bias, I believe that he is the type of person to whom I could express such concerns in private (and in respect of the prohibition against ex parte communications), and that he would address those concerns. If I was unwilling to express my concerns to him personally, I would refrain from accusing him in this forum.

Other

Comment #: MD2127
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He is horrible! He is "pro-criminal" and "pro-junkie," even when a child is at stake. He never gives an answer to a question, but makes personal comments regarding his opinions of you personally. He makes the innocent feel like the criminal, rather than the person with the criminal record. He has dragged out our custody case for months, and it's still not resolved. He takes breaks at his leisure, and keeps people waiting for hours after their trial time. He doesn't care what judges involved in the case before him have ruled. He bullies those before him. He doesn't conduct normal trial proceedings, and allows those to change the premise of the trial right before your very eyes with no warning to prepare. He believes that all criminals can be rehabilitated, especially if that criminal is a woman. He makes personal comments: at a hearing he called us to his bench and played static so that others could not hear. He is a terrible judge: he won't make a decision, and answers questions with questions, and when you make suggestions, if he doesn't like them he says that you're not being accommodating.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1844
Rating:1.5

Comments:
Overly involved in settlement discussions to the point of bullying litigants. Conducts settlement discussions in chambers so there is no record that shows he hears and accepts as true all allegations made by one parent while refusing to hear anything about the other parent's position or concerns. Applies his preconceived ideas about how custody SHOULD be in ALL cases to get to the custodial arrangement he thinks should apply in every custody case and seems oblivious to the fact that the dynamic between parents in cases involving domestic violence is completely different than one without domestic violence. Lecturing a victim of an assault about how the assault was the victim's fault is simply inappropriate and does nothing to help the child caught in the middle. Needs a better understanding of the reality of life that it is not always best for a child to be forced into contact with an abusive parent.

Litigant

Comment #: MD1775
Rating:9.0

Comments:
The Hon. Ronald A. Silkworth is perhaps one of the most decent judges that I have ever encountered. He is fair, just and respectful.

Judge Silkworth's decisions can be trusted as accurate and fair.

His choice in ties however, should be questioned by a vision specialist :-) (one point off for that)

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1573
Rating:7.1

Comments:
I love this judge, but I will agree that he just believes any criminal can be rehabilitated and he never gives proper jail time. He is smart, bt not as smart as other judges in AACO or as he thinks he is. You have to keep it simple with him. I have never found him to interrupt at trial and have had several multi-day trials with him. All were fair.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1513
Rating:9.8

Comments:
Highly recommend for custody cases. Has a strong grasp of the law while trying to provide an even handed approach to cases. Afterall, they are children!

Other

Comment #: MD1465
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He has no business hearing custody cases! He doesn't listen to the evidence and seems to side with the mother regardless of how much evidence you have against her. If her own grandmother tells you that the mother is unfit, LISTEN!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1343
Rating:8.6

Comments:
He is great -- thoughtful, fair, cares about the llitigants and the community......the only problem is that he is unforgivably slow in issuing written decisions and he never rules from the bench. I have had to wait for over six months for opinions.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD1074
Rating:8.3

Comments:
Very good trial judge. Moved things along, called things in a fair manner, let us try our case. He did not know all the law applicable to our case but he listened to our arguments and worked very hard to get an understanding of all the issues. My client lost at trial but it was certainly not the fault of this judge.

Other

Comment #: MD1058
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge did nothing but victimize me all over again after an abusive marriage and put my son at risk by ruling that his unfit father have joint custody. My lawyer submitted TONS of evidence that proved this, but he didn't care; his mind was made up before we stepped foot into his courtroom and prior to any documents being placed into evidence. My lawyer could have provided much more evidence of this, but many of his valid motions were quickly denied without any thought. I also thought if you were subpoened to bring relevant documentation with you that you didn't have a choice; apparently not true with this judge if he has already decided to rule in your favor. He was unfair in his rulings, allowing the defendent and his attorney to pretty much say and do what they chose, but shutting down the same line of questioning by my attorney. This judge didn't care about what was best for my child or that I receive a fair divorce trial to handle important matters such as who gets the marital home--he opted to not even rule on this. My time and expensive legal fees were apparently none of his concern either as he had no problem conducting other business during the time slotted for my 2-day trial (which could have been 1 day if it weren't for his breaks, long lunches, and other business) while I paid my lawyers to sit around and wait. As a tax payer, I truly hope he doesn't get paid by the hours he is physically in the courthouse! He is a disgrace to the bench. I wish I could afford to appeal his decision so another judge could right his wrong.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD976
Rating:1.9

Comments:
The only thing saving this guy from the bottom of the judicial barrel is the fact that there are a few more prolific dopes on that bench. In civil cases, he is not able to resolve pretrial disputes in a timely manner and leaves litigants befuddled as to what the heck he is doing. Then when he does issue a ruling, it is often muddled and convoluted, again leaving lawyers scratching their heads. In many cases, he simply refuses to clarify his prior rulings -- even when asked in writing to do so. His courtroom management is terrible. Most lawyers understand that that a 2-day trial in any other courtroom in AA County will last a week or more with Judge Silkworth. He often interrupts cases with mindless minor matters, thus forcing civil clients to pay for their lawyers to sit on their hands and wait for hours. Why he does not designate one day a week for these mindless hearings is beyond me. His is the most inefficient courtroom in the county. One more thing . . . DO NOT LOOK AT HIS HAIR!

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD891
Rating:3.3

Comments:
Very bias judge. Not sure if it was because I was
an African American, or a woman. He allowed the defendant in the case to answer questions, but thought it was irrelevant for my attorney to cross examine the defendant on the same questions. There is no way I was allowed a fair trial by this judge.

Litigant

Comment #: MD890
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Poor. Although a nice person Judge Silkworth seems to wish for forgiveness of the woman whene any legal matters are concerned. In short, Judge Silkworth can be expected to allow a woman to disregard any legal direction (even when he set the direction), omit ruling inforation on the ruling sheet and disregard any request for accurate information from the mother where child support is concerned. Be advised that if you run into Judge Silkworth and are male (who has done most of the child rearing WITHOUT support of any kind) you will not be heard in or after court! Expect the word denied to be next to your name on the ruling.

Litigant

Comment #: MD889
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Poor. Although a nice person Judge Silkworth seems to wish for forgiveness of the woman whene any legal matters are concerned. In short, Judge Silkworth can be expected to allow a woman to disregard any legal direction (even when he set the direction), omit ruling inforation on the ruling sheet and disregaurd any request for accurate information from the mother when child support is concerned. Be advised that if you run into Judge Silkworth and are male you will not be heard in or after court! Expect the word denied to be next to your name on the ruling.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD725
Rating:10.0

Comments:
Silkworth is a fair judge who applies the law. My only problem with him is that he thinks he can save everyone from his demons and puts defendants on probation forever. You know judge, just because a guy has a drug problem doesn't mean that he needs or wants your "help".

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD463
Rating:5.7

Comments:
Interesting to hear what others have to say. When I tried a plaintiff's case in front of him, I felt certain that he favored the defendants and broadcast that feeling to the jury. Nevertheless, my client prevailed. However, he did the right thing on post-judgment motions, and upheld the verdict. He also seems very compassionate and concerned in terms of his treatment of those on probation or in the drug court system, from the hearings I have seen him conduct on those cases.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD409
Rating:1.1

Comments:
Judge Silkworth is so plaintiff's orientated that he has completely lost his ability to be fair. He is a terrible trial judge who for some unknown reason believes he was a great trial attorney before becoming a judge. He has his mind made up before he ever hears any evidence and is extremely rude to the attorneys who appear in front of him. He is by far the worst judge on the Anne Arundel Co. bench

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD374
Rating:1.4

Comments:
Those who wrote the previous comments cannot possibly have appeared in front of this judge. He is rude, he dislikes lawyers from anywhere but Anne Arundel County, and he telegraphs his feelings to the jury. His reputation is awful. He favors plaintiffs without question.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD198
Rating:4.5

Comments:
Sits on files and his rulings. These delays are repeated in many cases and by failing to act he causes prejudice to the parties.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD179
Rating:9.3

Comments:
Very fair and even-handed. He treats all involved with respect (attorneys, litigants, and witnesses). Not afraid to ask questions related to the law.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD128
Rating:7.4

Comments:
A judge with guts. It is a pleasure to try a case in front of him.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD17
Rating:9.3

Comments:
An excellent judge.