Press Coverage of the Judge Russell Case

On March 10, 2010 Judge Darrell Russell made the "unusual" decision to allow a defendant in a domestic violence criminal case to leave court, obtain a marriage license and then return the same day so that the judge could marry the couple in his chambers. When court reconvened, the defendant's new wife invoked marital privilege, which meant she did not have to testify against her husband. The judge promptly found the defendant not guilty adding, "....I can't sentence you as a defendant in any crimes, but earlier today, I sentenced you to life married to her."

For anyone who thinks that society's attitudes about domestic violence have changed, this should be your wake up call. Since its creation in 1977, the House Of Ruth Maryland has fought to change the attitudes and beliefs that allow domestic violence to continue. The House Of Ruth Maryland continues to lead the charge to make sure that every woman in Maryland is safe in her own home and that actions, such as those by Judge Russell, will not be tolerated.

Coverage of the case can be found below. For further information, please contact:
Cheri Parlaman
Development Manager
410-554-8446
cparlaman@hruthmd.org


Attitudes Can Be Just As Deadly As Fists

April 5 - Some judges err on rules of decorum

March 31 - Judge defends his actions in marrying couple in assault case

March 26 - Women's groups file complaint against judge

March 25 - House Of Ruth files official complaint

March 23 - Judge in marriage case going through divorce

March 21 - For judge, love is never having to say you're guilty

March 19 - Advocates outraged by judge's action
Defendant allowed to marry alleged victim of his abuse

March 19 - Cupid on the bench
Our view: A hasty marriage in domestic violence court makes a mockery of the law

March 18 - Judge marries defendant to alleged victim
Balto. County jurist dismisses case, is reassigned

March 18 - ‘Marrying judge’ could face sanctions inquiry

March 18 - Ethics Dunce: Judge Darrell Russell

March 17 - Judge Who Married Abuse Suspect, Victim Reassigned
Judge Reassigned After I-Team Story Reporting Incident Aired

March 17 - Baltimore Judge Marries Accused Abuser to Victim During Trial to Avoid Testimony
Judge Darrell Russell Offered to Pause a Domestic Violence Trial for a Marriage Ceremony

March 16 - I-Team: Judge Married Woman, Suspected Abuser
Couple Involved In Domestic Violence Case