Community Leaders Attend Swearing-In of Sidney Butcher as Anne Arundel County Circuit Court Judge

Community leaders gathered in Annapolis yesterday for the swearing-in of Sidney Butcher as an associate judge of the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Governor Wes Moore announced Judge Butcher’s appointment to the bench last month. His honor was sworn in by Scott Poyer, Clerk of the Court. 

Related: Governor Moore Appoints District Court Judge, Former Anne Arundel County School Board Member Sidney Butcher to the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court

Register of Wills Jasmine Jackson was among the community leaders in attendance. Jackson said she was honored to attend the swearing-in of Judge Butcher. "This is a reminder of how appointments work: candidates are vetted and selected through a transparent process that ensures continuity, integrity, and service to the public," the Register of Wills said in a social media statement.  "I’m proud to serve in the judicial branch with individuals like Judge Butcher, who value the rule of law. While my role is more administrative, this area of law is not new to me, it’s a passion I’ve had for 17 years. The rule of law is central to this office, and I approach it with care, integrity, and dedication. Not simply as an opportunity."

“Judge Butcher has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice throughout his distinguished career,” Governor Moore stated. “His breadth of experience and deep dedication to public service will serve the people of Anne Arundel County well on the Circuit Court.”

Governor Moore stated that the appointment reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening Maryland’s judiciary, noting, “Judge Butcher’s experience, leadership, and integrity make him exceptionally qualified for this role.”

Judge Butcher had served on the Anne Arundel County District Court since 2019. Previously, he worked as an assistant attorney general assigned to the Medicaid Fraud Unit. He also served as counsel in the white-collar litigation group at Whiteford, Taylor & Preston, LLP, following a decade as a prosecutor with the Baltimore City State's Attorney's Office. Judge Butcher earned his law degree from the University of Kansas School of Law.

His public service also includes serving as a former member of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. He has held numerous leadership roles with the Maryland State Bar Association, currently serves on the Anne Arundel Bar Association Executive Council, is a past president of the Monumental City Bar Association, and previously chaired the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section.

Carl Snowden, Convener for the Caucus of African American Leaders, was also in attendance. “Hundreds gathered at the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court for the investiture of Sidney Butcher,” Snowden said following the ceremony. “With Judge Butcher’s appointment by Governor Wes Moore, this marks the first time three African Americans are serving on the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court.”