La Plata, MD – Thomas R. Simpson was sworn in as the new Circuit Court judge for Charles County Thursday, Dec. 11 at the Charles County Governmental Center.

The Honorable Amy J. Bragunier, administrative judge for Charles County, presided over the event with fellow judges on the 7th Circuit, including Helen I. Harrington, David Densford from St. Mary’s County, and Marjorie L. Clagett from Calvert.

In his presentation of Simpson to the court, Thomas C. Hayden Jr. said of the new judge, “As a general practitioner of law for 41 years, with his vast experience in civil and criminal law, he is exceptionally qualified to serve as a circuit court judge.” 

“My father taught me that you cannot wait for someone else to do what you should do for yourself,” Simpson’s son Matthew stated.

He said his father would, as judge, “be beholding only to the law he represents.”
Bragunier said the court was eager to welcome the new judge, saying Charles has been certified for six judges, but the addition of Simpson brings their ranks to four.

“We want to welcome you and we are happy to have you join us,” she said.

After being sworn in by Charles County Clerk of the Circuit Court Sherri Hancock and robed by his mother, Joyce B. Simpson and his wife, Katie O’Malley-Simpson, Simpson took his seat with his fellow judges, thanking “the people who voted for me.”

He thanked the many volunteers who supported him and contributed to his candidacy, working at the polls and various events.

He broke down for a moment when thanking his wife Katie, who he said, “I owe a deep debt of gratitude for all she has done for me.”

Simpson said since the late 1970s when he served as a clerk and later as juvenile master, he longed to serve as judge.

“Since those days I have wanted very much to serve on the bench,” he said. “As stated in the oath, I will serve with the best of my skill and judge without partisanship or prejudice.”

Quoting Calvin Coolidge, he said, “You can’t know too much, but you can say too much,” gracefully bringing The Rev. Charles Long, pastor of Grace Brethren Church, to the podium for the benediction.

Contact Joseph Norris at joe.norris@thebaynet.com