--- title: "John P. Morrissey | KnowJudges" canonical: "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-p-morrissey-md-district-chief-judge" page_type: "judge_profile" updated: "2026-07-26" --- # John P. Morrissey District Court for Chief Judge · Judge ## Profile - Court: District Court for Chief Judge - State: Maryland - Role: Judge - Service status: active - Last verified: 2026-07-26 ## Summary Official statewide and applicable court procedural guidance applies to this judge. ## Before you appear - Read the judge-specific standing order first when one is listed. - Check the docket and case orders for requirements that supersede broader guidance. - Confirm current remote-access and courtroom technology arrangements before the proceeding. ## Courtroom Rules ### remote proceedings Scope: statewide Maryland trial courts may conduct remote electronic proceedings when authorized by rule, and the court may permit or require participants to appear by remote electronic communications. Evidence excerpt: the court may permit or require one or more participants, or all participants, to join the proceeding by means of remote electronic communications. [Remote Hearings and Proceedings](https://www.mdcourts.gov/remotehearings) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### remote recording Scope: statewide For Maryland remote proceedings, the required recording is made by the court, and participants should not make their own audio or video recording unless the court permits it. Evidence excerpt: Proceedings conducted via videoconferencing technology must be recorded by the court [Remote Hearings and Proceedings](https://www.mdcourts.gov/remotehearings) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### electronic devices Scope: statewide Maryland permits electronic devices in court facilities only in accordance with court rules and orders; attorneys may use devices reasonably for a proceeding if silent, positioned away from the trier of fact or witnesses, not used for recording, and not used for unauthorized communication. Evidence excerpt: attorneys are permitted the reasonable and lawful use of an electronic device in connection with the proceeding provided that [NOTICE Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities](https://www.mdcourts.gov/reference/cellphonenotice) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ### photography video recording Scope: statewide Maryland prohibits taking, recording, or transmitting photographs, videos, or other visual images in court facilities unless the court expressly grants permission in a specific instance. Evidence excerpt: The taking, recording, or transmitting of photographs, videos, or other visual images by cell phone or any other device is prohibited in the court facility at all times [NOTICE Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities](https://www.mdcourts.gov/reference/cellphonenotice) Source checked: 2026-07-26 ## Sources - [Official profile](https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/hr/pdfs/judges_list_external.pdf) - [Official roster](https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/hr/pdfs/judges_list_external.pdf) - [Maryland Judiciary official judicial roster](https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/hr/pdfs/judges_list_external.pdf) - [Remote Hearings and Proceedings](https://www.mdcourts.gov/remotehearings) - [NOTICE Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities](https://www.mdcourts.gov/reference/cellphonenotice) ## JSON-LD ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-p-morrissey-md-district-chief-judge", "url": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-p-morrissey-md-district-chief-judge", "name": "John P. 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Morrissey", "item": "https://knowjudges.com/kyj/judge/john-p-morrissey-md-district-chief-judge" } ] } ] } ``` ## Biography ### Professional career - Participation in the Justice Reinvestment Oversight Board (2016–present) and Task Force to Ensure the Safety of Judicial Facilities (2023–2026) He has also been involved in implementing the appointed attorney program and the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) system, enhancing efficiency and access to justice across the state - Selected as an Associate Judge of the District Court of Maryland, District 5, Prince George's County, on January 6, 2006, and served in that role until June 1, 2014, when he became Chief Judge of the District Court of Maryland - Began his legal career as an associate at Venable, Baetjer & Howard (1989–1992) and subsequently became a partner at Morrissey Brothers, PC (1992–2006) - Additionally, he held the role of counsel to the Board of Education in Prince George's County (2003–2005) - His term as Chief Judge has included oversight of statewide judicial initiatives, technological advancements, and programs to improve access to justice ### Education - a J.D., cum laude, from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 1989, where he held the role of Editor-in-Chief of the University of Baltimore Law Review and received awards for contracts and commercial transactions - B.B.A. in Business Administration, magna cum laude, from James Madison University in 1986 ### Additional information - Vice-Chair, Maryland Access to Justice Commission (2014) and Chair, Maryland Electronic Courts Advisory Committee (2014–present) - John P. Morrissey was born on December 27, 1964, in Washington, D.C., and has been a lifelong resident of Prince George's County, Maryland - He succeeded Judge Ben C. Clyburn upon his retirement - He also held leadership roles in private business ventures, including Emerald Investment Group, LLC and Bay Shore Yacht Sales, LLC ## Published courtroom rules ### Shared court rules - [Remote Hearings and Proceedings](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-8d7f2b6c1b52f4889f91cdbe) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.mdcourts.gov/remotehearings). Collected 2026-07-26. - [NOTICE Cell Phones, Other Electronic Devices, and Cameras in Court Facilities](https://knowjudges.com/courtroom-rules/national-shared-set-9a7f81ce806c87a1ae6dac48) — Scope is limited to the court class in the source claim. Shared court context only; case-type restrictions, exceptions, later amendments and case orders apply. This is not a personal preference or a complete rules inventory. [Official source](https://www.mdcourts.gov/reference/cellphonenotice). Collected 2026-07-26.