"The Robing Room: MD State Judges

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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

What others have said about Hon. Steven Salant

Comments

Other

Comment #: MD717
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Salant is clearly not qualified to be a judge. He is not good with facts, he doesnt care to hear the truth and he thinks it is ok for juveniles to use drugs. He used bad discretion on a family law case and mis quoted case law.
He is a terrible Judge and should not be re-elected!

Other

Comment #: MD690
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Salant you need your mouth wired shut! A simple case; three young men confessed to First Degree Rape! What "did you not get"?
You disgraced the Judicial System, displayed contempt for everyone in the courtroom apart from the perpetrators and their families. You made Rapists sound like victims and had no concern for the 15 year old victim or her family.
Do you remember Article 47 of the Maryland Constitution "Victim should be treated with dignity and respect" Have you heard of "The Rape Shield Laws"????????
You are clearly unfit and unworthy of the position you hold. Arrogance has gotten the better of you! Be honorable, admit your mistakes, APOLOGIZE and RESIGN. I hope you do not have children.

Other

Comment #: MD689
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Gang rapists who were brought before this judge were put on probation and back in school with their victim.

What went wrong?

Other

Comment #: MD688
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Salant, you were appointed to dispense justice not prejudice. Have some decency, apologise and then do the honourable thing and resign.

Other

Comment #: MD687
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I have absolutely no faith that this judge will rule competently, speak appropriately, or act with the dignity required in his office. He needs to step down.

Other

Comment #: MD686
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This isn't about race. This isn't about class. This isn't about immigration status.

This is about having a judiciary whose competence and fairness we can count on, regardless of how they rule.

Salant fails that test. He needs to find a new line of work.

Other

Comment #: MD685
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Convicted gang rapists.... in school... with their victim.

Anyone care to walk me through the legal reasoning that brought this about?

Of course not. That's because this judge failed in just about the the most Kafkaesque possible fashion.

The only way to keep ourselves sane, in the face of such immensely weird incompetence, is to continue calling this what it is: a failure.

What happened is not acceptable. The judge failed at his job. We can say that. We must say that.

Other

Comment #: MD684
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Salant needs to find another job. This is just ridiculous. We do not pay judges to put gang-rapists in school.

Other

Comment #: MD683
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Total incompetence! It bad enough that Judge Salant has no respect or concern for the Gang raped 15 year old, but he has no regard for other innocent law abiding people. Putting these rapists back in mainstream society with simply as much as a slap on the wrist - is dispicable. Judge Salant is not fit to be on the Bench!

Other

Comment #: MD682
Rating:1.0

Comments:
"Never ascribe to malice that which can adequately be explained by incompetence," -- Napoleon Bonaparte

Can anyone explain how putting three rapists on parole and back in school with their victim is not a total and complete failure?

Other

Comment #: MD681
Rating:1.0

Comments:
"Never ascribe to malice that which can adequately be explained by incompetence," -- Napoleon Bonaparte

Can anyone explain how putting three rapists, on parole, back in school with their victim is not a total and complete failure?

Other

Comment #: MD680
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Is this judge a bad person? That's not relevant.

Should he be sorry? Maybe, but this isn't a moral issue.

The ONLY thing that matters here is that he's incompetent.

He put three rapists on parole, where they wound up back in school with their victim.

That's about the worst possible result.

The conclusion? This judge does not belong on the bench. Period.

Other

Comment #: MD677
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This story breaks my heart! How can Judge Salant re-victimize a 15 year old girl that was attacked by 3 self proclaimed rapists, that confessed to their crime.
Such a straight forward case, how could Judge Salant blame the victim.
I hope is is held accountable for his dispicable behaviour.

Other

Comment #: MD676
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Pathetic.
A person was brutally raped.
Race, gender or scenario should NOT be a determining factor.
She was raped, pure and simple.
I wonder if her were raped in a planned assault, would he feel safe with those 'people' on the streets?

Other

Comment #: MD675
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I for the life of me can't understand how a judge can show leniency for the rapists, blame towards the victum, & insolence to the family. This judge most be fired!

Other

Comment #: MD674
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Recently I read about PHOEBE PRINCE a 15 year old Irish Immigrant Girl residing in Massachusetts. Apparently PHOEBE was raped, hounded, bullied, insulted and threatened by fellow students. Sadly this drove her to commit suicide, 9 Teenagers were charged with harassing her.

The Victim in the case Salant presided over was also an Irish Immigrant, she too was GANG RAPED and suffered the same horrific experiences. She moved away from her family to Nevada for her safety, in court Salant said that was her choice among lots of other degrading remarks!

Bearing in mind Judge Salant treatment of this victim, one wonders why he is beyond the laws and not facing charges! So, ignorant Teenagers get charged but the educated Judge does not, interesting.

Other

Comment #: MD673
Rating:1.0

Comments:
A complete disgrace.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD672
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I firmly believe he is a pig headed biased man. To insinuate that she's a slut, while under the influence, that's pretty fucking pathetic. Not only is he saying it's okay to be GANG RAPED but that they really shouldn't be getting much punishment because apparently 'it takes two to tango.' I hope he's forced to retire from this position. I honestly can't believe this man and I hope that everyone who knows of this story and are unfortunate to have this man will bring him down. He's obviously too high on his pedestal if he believes he can say that GANG RAPE, is okay. Not to mention insinuating that she's a slut... umm excuse me but I don't believe that's his job to find out whether or not she was. Not to mention even /if/ she was, she didn't concent to this one. God I hope he has hell to pay when he gets thrown out of his position.

Other

Comment #: MD671
Rating:1.0

Comments:
There are so many laywers that work their hearts out to become Judges and honor the "TRUE" justice in this world. So why don't you step down and let these lawyers have their chance, reading all these comments below I can honestly say you forgot what it REALLY takes to be a Judge and stand for the people. We need Justice not someone that only wants their paycheck and can't forefill their duties. Have you forgot why you got Honored?

Other

Comment #: MD670
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I thought the basis for our legal system was to protect the rights of the innocent first! Tell me how justice has been served in this case.

Other

Comment #: MD668
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Of all the cases I have read - this is by far the most egregious. I suggest this judge pay attention to what is going on in the world these days and understand the pressure on girls to go along to get along in terms of partying -- and that it is never ok to gang rape a girl no matter what condition she is in.
Is this judge so stupid as to believe it was ok for the boys to be drinking but for the girls to be drinking was asking to be raped?

Had one of the boys been brutally gang raped would he too had been asking to be raped merely by being at a party and drinking with the other kids?

I think his actions deserve a vile punishment by a pack of mad women and girls - after all according to us - he is asking for it! Does that give us the right to violate his person? Would we get away with scatching his miserable eyes out? I think not!
The man belongs in kangaroo court jundging something besides living beings- he is not fit to sit on the bench.

Other

Comment #: MD667
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
MD Judges and legislatures are abusers. they need to go-- remember them in November.
http://parentingnewsnetwork.com/?p=152

Other

Comment #: MD666
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This man is dangerous to be on the bench! Accountability NOW!

Court Staff

Comment #: MD664
Rating:1.0

Comments:
What a disgrace to the Judicial system!!! I pray another victim will NEVER come before this MONSTER. My prayers are with all who suffered his injustice and heartlessness.

Other

Comment #: MD663
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Salant is a monster and should be fired immediately.

Other

Comment #: MD661
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Rape so not be treated as misdemeanor and any age

Other

Comment #: MD660
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Fire him or insist that he resign, with no pension preferably.

Other

Comment #: MD659
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge should be taken out of circulation and not allowed to sit on any future cases. He rates a teenage victim with less regard than 3 lowlife offenders.

Other

Comment #: MD658
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Someone explain to me how putting three rapists on parole and back in school is not a major error.

Other

Comment #: MD657
Rating:1.0

Comments:
REF Comments # 653 I second this comment! Judge Salant is a disgrace to the U.S. in general and specifically the Judicial System. I would like to apologize to the people of Ireland and let them know that this judge does not reflect the morals and ethics of the vast majority of the people here in this country.

Other

Comment #: MD655
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The judge should be thrown out after the comments made to a young girl that it was her fault she got gang raped!!!!!

Other

Comment #: MD654
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
This man is not fit to sit in judgement of others-he has failed to make 3 rapists pay for their destruction of a young girl's life

Other

Comment #: MD653
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Salant is a disgrace to the U.S. in general and specifically the Judicial System. I would like to apologize to the people of Ireland and let them know that this judge does not reflect the morals and ethics of the vast majority of the people here in this country.

Other

Comment #: MD652
Rating:1.0

Comments:
If I were Martin O’Malley, the distinguished governor of Maryland, I’d be pretty ashamed of myself right now for appointing Steven G. Salant to the Montgomery County Circuit Court. If you agree, feel free to head over to his page and contact him to tell him so.

Google: Judge Steven Salant for more dispicable stories

Other

Comment #: MD651
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I sat in on the sentencing of three rapists in Montgomery County. What I witnessed was unbelievable. I have heard of many rapes that go unreported and now I know why. When three young men who admit to first degree rape are not locked up, I don’t care what their age, it makes you wonder what is wrong with our criminal justice system. These boys should have been placed into a juvenile system where they are locked up and monitored on a 24 hour basis. These young men need to be punished for what they did and then educated before they are allowed back into society. The Judge was able to get the men off the streets but gave them a slap on the hands instead. These boys did not steal a candy bar; they took the dignity of a young woman.
These men are back with their families and friends as if nothing ever happened. How does this teach these young men that what they did was unacceptable? In order for there to be less rape in our society there needs to be serious punishments for such a horrendous act. The rape victim will never be able to wipe such a horrible event from her life. This is something that will come up many times and haunt her forever. And to be a victim and stand up for your rights and tell so many people what happened to you to try to have someone made accountable for what they did and have nothing happen would make me wonder why the victim would even tell anyone in the first place. We need Judges who realize the seriousness of such a horrible crime and will lock these young me and others up until they learn to respect others and the seriousness of the crime they have committed. By letting these men back out on the streets it makes it look like what they did was acceptable. Rape is never acceptable and should have serious consequences for such a horrible act.

Other

Comment #: MD650
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Such a very serious matter Rape - but this was a Gang Rape and could have easily been MURDER!

Judge Salant you are a monster, abusing your position - RESIGN.

Other

Comment #: MD649
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Such a travesty of Justice. Salant RESIGN after you appologise to the family and their friends!

Other

Comment #: MD648
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Is this some kind of sick joke? judge Salant blames the victim for being raped. Just can't believe anyone couldbe so stupid.

May God forgive him!

Other

Comment #: MD647
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Salant I hope the father makes your life hell! What you did to his daughter was worse than any rapist did.

RESIGN your a disgrace!

Other

Comment #: MD646
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The story breaks my hearth, if I was a rape victim in Montgomery County I would not come forward.

Shame on Judge Salant for not protecting this innocent child! In my mind she was raped 4 times.

The last time by Judge Salant! Salant: SHAME ON YOU, do the decent thing and step down.

Other

Comment #: MD645
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I think the rating I just gave him speaks for itself.

Other

Comment #: MD644
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Absolutly in the minus. His empathy towards the female victims leaves a lot to be desired. Hope nothing ever happens to any of his family and he relies on a Judge of his own caliber to seek justice for them. "the law is an ass" in this case its the Judge.

Other

Comment #: MD643
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Considering the brutality of the crime, I find it hard to forgive Judge Salant. I urge the Judge to take responsibility for his OWN actions. Has he ever considered making a public apology to the victim, her family and/or the others in the courtroom that day?

His courtroom comments further reiterate why so many other rape victims suffer in silence. Who could stand to be further victimized by the same person you trusted to put these criminals behind bars!

Other

Comment #: MD639
Rating:1.0

Comments:
How could anyone have confidence in Judge Salant after his treatment of this young girl? Is it now time to read the transcripts of his previous cases to see how often this type of thing has happened before? I note that this judge was involved in family law for a number of years - incredible!

Other

Comment #: MD638
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The biased, unfair and unjust comments of this judge at the trial is reprehensible and beyond belief. His subsequent decision to reward the rapists with the Probation Act defies all logic, fairness and justice. The 15 year-old girl has been badly let down by an incompetent judge who is unfit to hold office. His handling of similiar cases should be thoroughly investigated and he should be disbarred. In fact, if it were possible he should be charged with criminal negligence and jailed. Does he realise how bad victims and their families must feel when the justice system fails them totally and in effect ends up punishing them again. I say investigate his past handling of rape cases, his shocking handling of this case and charge him if at all possible.

Other

Comment #: MD637
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Look, Salant, you are now political plutonium. You put a pack of gang rapists on probation and back in school.

Your career is over. Anyone who appoints you to anything will get nailed for this. The stink from what you have done is just too great to be ignored... it's now just a quick Google search away and will be attached to your name FOR EVER.

Resign and find another line of work.

A judicial career can not survive news reports like this, they'll be made into attack ads against ANY politician who appoints you to anything now.

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1009/673111_video.html?ref=newsstory

Let this be a warning to every other judge: you screw up like this you WILL be on the news and your dreams of a more prestigious judgeship WILL be over.

REPOSTING THIS BECAUSE I AM ***NOT*** A CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER. JUST SOMEONE WHO KNOWS A GOOD DEAL ABOUT POLITICS... AND CAMPAIGNING FOR PUBLIC OFFICE.

MY ADVICE TO THE NEXT POLITICIAN DOING DUE DILIGENCE ON THIS GUY? DON'T TOUCH THIS GUY. BUT THAT'S OBVIOUS.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD636
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Look, Salant, you are now political plutonium. You put a pack of gang rapists on probation and back in school.

Your career is over. Anyone who appoints you to anything will get nailed for this. The stink from what you have done is just too great to be ignored... it's now just a quick Google search away and will be attached to your name FOR EVER.

Resign and find another line of work.

A judicial career can not survive news reports like this, they'll be made into attack ads against ANY politician who appoints you to anything now.

http://www.wjla.com/news/stories/1009/673111_video.html?ref=newsstory

Let this be a warning to every other judge: you screw up like this you WILL be on the news and your dreams of a more prestigious judgeship WILL be over.

Other

Comment #: MD635
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Salant, what is your major malfunction?

Other

Comment #: MD633
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I think this Judge should be ashamed of himself, to think that that young girl was put at fault for being raped by 3 self confessed rapist. Also the fact that she had to move out of state will the 3 rapist were allowed get on with their lives and return to the same school is unbelievable. Has this judge no conscience that he can't do the right thing admit he made a sserious mistake and step down before he ruins another young persons life

Other

Comment #: MD632
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He's part of the problem.

Other

Comment #: MD631
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Salant should be fired in his handling of the "Seamus T" case involving the rape of his daughter

Other

Comment #: MD630
Rating:1.0

Comments:
needs to be off the board

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD629
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Scum of the Earth. I wish I could put negative values in.

Other

Comment #: MD627
Rating:1.0

Comments:
the only reason i voted "1" for the performance is there is no "0".

this man should never be allowed to be courtroom....ever!!!!!!!!

Other

Comment #: MD626
Rating:1.0

Comments:
digraceful

Other

Comment #: MD625
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Let's get the record of the judge's remarks in the court room up on this page. Anyone got the transcript? Let's post more of the judge's remarks.

Litigant

Comment #: MD624
Rating:1.0

Comments:
What a total disgrace to the judicial system.Do society a favor and remove this judge and take his law license.Wonder what the sentence would of been if it was his Daughter?

Other

Comment #: MD623
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge needs to be removed from the bench. His lack of compassion for the victim is sickening. Lets keep letting criminals do as they want. Remove him from the bench now.

Other

Comment #: MD621
Rating:1.0

Comments:
How would you feel if your relative was raped and we the people gave the perp probation...You are a sick excuse for a judge like so many across this great land that should be removed........

Other

Comment #: MD620
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I was appalled by the attitude of this judge. Pure disgusted. He should be removed.

Other

Comment #: MD618
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
What other innocent victims has Judge Salant put on trial in his courtroom? This is hardly the first instance of him making incorrect and damaging comments.

Other

Comment #: MD617
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Salant should seriously consider his position and do the honourable thing and resign. He is on the bench to dispense justice not prejudice.

Litigant

Comment #: MD616
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Fire this sub human !

Other

Comment #: MD615
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Disgraceful

Other

Comment #: MD614
Rating:1.0

Comments:
What an absolute pile of garbage and a discredit to the bench Judge Salant is for his treatment of the young girl raped and beaten. To give her attackers PROBATION in light of the premeditated rape they plead guilty to is beyond reprehensible. Judge Salant should be stripped of every judicial honor and cast into the same pit of hell these rapists are headed to.

Other

Comment #: MD613
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I hate bad judges especially when they don't put the effort in to listen at hearings/court cases

Other

Comment #: MD612
Rating:1.0

Comments:
How about the VICTIM!!!!!!!!!!!

Other

Comment #: MD610
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Step down.

Other

Comment #: MD609
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
liberal scum like this is why there are repeat offenders!

Other

Comment #: MD608
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I can not think of anything good to comment on this individual. He is a discrace to the system and should not have the authority to rule over anyone.

Other

Comment #: MD607
Rating:1.0

Comments:
There needs to be a very serious investigation into this matter.

Other

Comment #: MD606
Rating:1.0

Comments:
bad judges are bad for america,this guy is one of them

Other

Comment #: MD605
Rating:1.0

Comments:
How anyone could support him is unimaginable!!! A fowl judge be he.......

Other

Comment #: MD604
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
you need to step down, how would you feel if somebody rape your daughter and some dumba## spank his hand and said please dont do that again. You are a Joke ND NOT good one at that.

Other

Comment #: MD603
Rating:1.0

Comments:
you are a disgrace to the judical system,vermin like you need to be extinguished

Other

Comment #: MD601
Rating:1.0

Comments:
You need to step down immediately. You are a disgrace to the human race.

Other

Comment #: MD600
Rating:1.0

Comments:
You are a fowl disgusting man with no morals and no sense of morality.

Other

Comment #: MD598
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I cant believe he let a pair of rapist's off with community service. He dose not deserve to be a judge. It's a shame there held to different standards then the avarge joe.

Other

Comment #: MD597
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Poor judgment for a Judge. He does not safeguard women against brutal individuals. Rape is a brutal act and there are no exceptions.

Other

Comment #: MD595
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
So, a gang rape isn't a gang rape if the victim has been drinking?

Other

Comment #: MD591
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Salant is a parents worst nightmare-time to step down before any more lives are shattered

Other

Comment #: MD589
Rating:1.0

Comments:
According to Judge Salant, women are just an object and ignorant rapists are just a product of society so WE as tax payers have to take care of them by providing a good "rehabilitation system"...Judge, don't you get it???? A rapist will ALWAYS be a rapist!!!!

Other

Comment #: MD588
Rating:1.0

Comments:
How can somebody plead guilty to rape and get probation??? Obviously Hon. Salant has never been effected by rape in his family. These are the kinds of judgements that makes the public question the court systems!!!

Other

Comment #: MD587
Rating:1.0

Comments:
this judge has no idea of reality,
he is not in touch with actual surroundings of the world, he lets rapists go on probation!
we need to remove him from his position!.

Other

Comment #: MD586
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I don not know how you can let a convicted rapists go on probation .

Other

Comment #: MD585
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I think the judge might be ADD due to obviously not paying attention during the trial. Because if the judge was paying attention he would have heard the facts.

Other

Comment #: MD582
Rating:1.0

Comments:
What a disgrace to the people that look up to a judge for justice when a crime has been committed. I would hope that the same crime happenes to his daughter, (if he has one), just to see what his reactions would be then. This judge should be prosecuted for his disregard of the law and failure to use common sense.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD581
Rating:1.0

Comments:
What a poor excuse for a judge, or a man for that matter. Who in their right mind could ever let rapists off, who admitted guilt, with a slap on the wrist. I feel sorry for the victim. They make it look to be her fault. I'd be ashamed to say this is the judge this town voted for. I'd do everything in my power to get a mis-trial, and have this judge removed from his job...

Other

Comment #: MD580
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Clearly this judge does not have the ability to perform his job. Letting rapists off on probation when they admitted to being guilty is something god will judge him for. All we have the power to do is have remove him from the bench.

Other

Comment #: MD579
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Rape is Rape and notwithstanding any of the actions of this young lady, these 3 punk ass NEGRO's have no regard for other people and this judge totally ignored the severity of this crime.

Other

Comment #: MD578
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Not one, not two, but three rapist involved and your saying she prevoked it? She was pulled into a bathroom by two while the third waited for them to bring her.... Oh, not to mention ripping flesh?

Other

Comment #: MD577
Rating:1.0

Other

Comment #: MD575
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge should be disbarred. Any judge who would let 3 rapist, who admitted to the rape, go with only probation does not deserve to be in any form of criminal justice. These 3 rapist need to be locked up as well as former judge Salant.

Other

Comment #: MD573
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Mr Salant should be disbarred, another example of a bleeding heart LIBERAL thats ruining this country. I hope his daughter never gets in this same situation. You sir are a embarrassment to the leagl system.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Other

Comment #: MD569
Rating:1.0

Comments:
THis man is an embarrassment to the entire legal community.

Other

Comment #: MD567
Rating:1.0

Comments:
any judge that gives any person probation after they admit raping a person should be disbarred. there is no excuse for that, there is enough crimanals on the strrets already.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD566
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Needs to be removed from the bench.

Other

Comment #: MD565
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Poor excuse for a judge.

Other

Comment #: MD564
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Does not belong on the bench.

Litigant

Comment #: MD563
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Salant does not belong on the bench.

Other

Comment #: MD562
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I was at the trial of the rape victim and was shocked at the lack of consideration of the victim and her family as well as the gross negligence on the part of the judge to truly consider the medical evidence over that presented by the sleezy lawers of the defendants. What kind of mentality agrees with putting blame on a victim? If I walk into the wrong part of town to take a shortcut and get beaten within an inch of my life, is this my fault? Would the courts fault me for not being careful and taking a chance? Would they say, "Oh, the defendants were presented with something just too tempting! How can we blame them? - she just DANGLED that carrot in front of them? For the person that commented below, here are a few words interjected into your comments:

"Those of you who have have been inspired to commented about the rape case over which Jusge Salant presided, appear to have done so based on a report in the Irish Times that did not accurately report the facts."

NO! I felt sick to my stomach during the trial as it unfolded - I didn't need the Irish Times to help with that!

"As a person who was present at the hearings, I can say that Judge Salant acted appropriately and judicially in all aspects of the case, even though I do not agree with all his determinations."

Did you fall asleep and miss something? Or are you completely out of touch with reality? I must say, you are in the minority!

"This matter was not as it was portrayed in the newspaper. Judge Salant treated the family of the victim with respect and sympathy."

Half true. The judge did precede his comments with some sympathetic words. Unfortunately what followed was appalling.

"You should also know that the father, much to his credit, at the end of the hearing, shook the hand of two of the juveniles involved. The father, who I beleive to be a man of honor and compassion, could not have felt mistreated at the time of the hearing, if he conducted himself in this manner."

YOU should know that the father is a man of great character and just because he made a gesture of forgiveness for the sake of his own healing doesn't mean that he was not terribly hurt by the mistreatment. I guess when you were taking your nap, you missed the mother leaving the courtroom during some of Salant's most shocking statements, which I will not hash out here - they are a matter of public record now."

"Time and Yellow Journalism may have altered his view. Regardless, those of you who feel the need to comment should learn all the facts before doing so."

Once again, everyone knows the facts intimately as well as both the victim and the defendants. Remember, our children went to school with these boys and we know MUCH more about them than was laid out in the courtroom. You need to learn the facts!

"Judge Salant acted intellegently, appropriately, responsibliy and judicially in a very difficult case."

You are not acting intelligently. Hang it up.

Other

Comment #: MD561
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The young men left her for dead! Clearly this could have been a Murder Charge.
I guess in Salants mind that would be suicide!!!!!

Other

Comment #: MD560
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Should be disbarred or re-educated.Terrible decision

Other

Comment #: MD559
Rating:1.0

Comments:
men who rape women and admit it, should not get probation!!!! The woman who is raped should not be told maybe she has issues too!!! Unconciousness does not constitute consent!!!!! What kind of society is this judge trying to create. He has set back the justice system years. I can only imagine how he would explain this to his own wife or daughter should they ever become a victim.

Other

Comment #: MD558
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Salant is a disgrace to the judicial system. He is even worse than the rapists.
SHAME! SHAME! SHAME!

Other

Comment #: MD557
Rating:1.0

Comments:
I think Judge Salant should be ashamed of himself. He is the most disgusting and should be disbarred. How dare he treat the victim like it is her fault. A rape is a rape no matter what. For the rapists to get a slap on their wrist is unthinkable in any justice of law. He is just encouranging the juveniles who rapes a victim to think nothing of it if all they get is just a slap on their wrist and it is the victim's fault that they get raped and not the rapist fault. What a dishonor to the justice system here in America. Judge Salvant should be disbarred from ever practising law again.

Other

Comment #: MD556
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Unfair Judge does not listen or consider the facts. Assist the Defence Attorneys with his bias. In the case of the 3 rapists admitting to gang raping the 15 year old girl, his behaviour was totally sickening and unprofessional.
In the interest for society and the safety of other innocent children he should be removed from the bench if he does not have the deceny to RESIGN!Salant is an absolute disgrace to the legal system.

Other

Comment #: MD554
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Steven Salant SHOULD be removed from office, since obviously he does not have the common decency to Resign. I
have known Erin and her family since they first moved to the Washington,D.C. area. Her parents are the most decent young couple ever. Erin and her sister are extremely trust worthy and would never do ANYTHING ro dishonor their parents or any of their extented family. My heart is bleeding for Erin and her family, but they are strong, our family will continue to pray for them as we always do. Also, will remember Judge Salant in our prayers along with the young men that they will realize the horribleness of their behavior and lack of good judgement, and will get on their knees and pray for and guidence to become fine young men and this is what the Judge should do
because he DID NOT show compassion or good judgemnt.

Other

Comment #: MD553
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Steven Salant should be removed from office, since obviously he does not have the common decency to resign.
I have known Erin and her family since
they first moved to the Washington,D.C.
area and they are the most honest and decent young couple ever. Erin and her sister Are extremely trustworthy and would never do ANYTHING to dishonor their parents or any of their extended family. My heart is bleeding for Erin and her family, but they are strong and my family will pray for them as we always do. Also, we will remember Judge Salant in our prayers along with the young men that they will feel the horribleness of their behavior and pray for help for redemm

Other

Comment #: MD552
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He makes disparaging comments about victims of violent crimes, based only on his personal bias. He is the personification of the evil discussed in Joseph Conrad's "Heart of Darkness".

Other

Comment #: MD551
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Salant must be removed from the bench…now. He is clearly unfit for duty. To let confessed rapists off with a slap on the hand and then allow these confessed rapist back into the same high school with the victim speaks volumes of this judge.
Not only should he be removed from the bench, but judges who recommended him for the bench should also be reviewed and reprimanded for their own lack of judgment.
How many lives must he destroy before the community becomes outraged and demands immediate removal of Judge Salant?

Other

Comment #: MD550
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He put the victim on trial and put the defendants on pedestals! They were treated as if they only needed a slap on the wrist -- it was first degree rape!!!! Oh, by the way they had already pleaded guilty to 1st degree rape!

Other

Comment #: MD549
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Salant resign your crazy.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD548
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Salant is a disgrace to the Legal Profession and should be held accountable for his cruel remarks. Thanks God the parents of this 15 year old child are educated and have taken action against this monster.
I hope he has not destroyed the lives of other children with his bigitery and his ability to hide behind the Juvenile System.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD547
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Steven G. Salant was deliberately spiteful and had no concern for the victim or her family. An emergency hearing was called a few days prior to the disposition requesting the rapists be removed from the victims school and the Judge was furious that his time was being wasted!
Judge Salant only cares about his ego and pride, he resented the family challenging him and he sure made them pay. What better way to humilate parents than to destroy their daughter.
He has no compassion or respect for society or other innocent children, he needs to do the right thing and step down. Salnt is far worse than than the rapist, being priviliged and educated he had no excuse to be so ignorant and irresponsible.

Other

Comment #: MD544
Rating:1.0

Comments:
As a person that was in the court room for the disposition, following the confession of the 3 first degree rapist.
Judge Salant was clearly very confused and felt overwhelmed by the supports of the victims family. Judge Salant's comments were completely out of line, for such an educated man his comments were outrageous. He had no compassion for the victim or her family, in fact he was cruel and disrespectful. Before the disposition commenced he made a racest remark accusing all the white middle class people of being there to witness a lynching.
The victim; a 15 year old girl less than a hundred pounds in weight, 3 times over the legal drinking limit, vomiting and on her menstral cycle carried into a bathroom on concious was brutally gang raped by 3 young men and he held her responsible! After which they left her for dead on the side of the street.
Judge Salant should be ashamed of himself and remove himself from the bench.
Lord knows how many other lives this Judge has destroyed, what he did to the victim was worse than what the rapists did. One wonders how many other lives this man destroy. Guess we will never know because he can hide behind the privacy of the Juvenile Judicial System with records and proceedings being sealed, shame on him!
Fortinately the family had the newspaper there.
I admire the family for taking him to task. Salant basically told the courts she deserved to be raped and told everyone in his opinion that she was not a virgin so what did it matter. In addition Salant continually got the rapists mixed up and I genuinely think he got his cases mixed up.
I hope he will not be allowed to preside over another rape case. Often one hears how rape victims are made out to be the guilty ones, but I witnessed it first hand.
May god forgive this very stupid, inhuman and ignorant man clearly he is not fit to be called a Judge! The message he sent to the rapists was, you did nothing wrong and this drunken slut seduced you heres a slap on the hand. How are they going to learn. Its sad when a rape victim has to move from Montgomery County to Nevada to get her life back, I wonder was this because of the rape or was she unable to recover from Judge Salants remarks! Score 1 is to good for this nut case of a Judge.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD543
Rating:9.5

Comments:
Judge Salant is always prepared and respectful to attorneys and litigants. On the rare occasion when a person (party or lawyer) is rebuked, that person is deserving. Judge Salant prefers to get to the issue before the court in short fashion, but allows each side to present the case in the manner they desire. He will attempt to direct the inquiry to what he understands to be the real issue, but is very flexible in allowing presentations to proceed.

Other

Comment #: MD542
Rating:9.0

Comments:
As an eye witness to the juvenile court matter commented upon by so many here, I disagree with the characterization of Judge Salant's performance. The victim's father has mischaracterized the evidence, and has inaccurately portrayed the judge's comments and the outcome in the matter. Judge Salant is an excellent judge, and was left in a very difficult position in this case by the state's attorney and the media. One should be careful not to accept (and adopt) biased reviews.

Other

Comment #: MD534
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
From the Gaithersburg Gazette:

The victim's father said he filed a complaint against the judge with the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities last week because of what he described as inappropriate comments he made about his daughter, such as saying that she had been "provocative and exhibited sexual behavior towards the male attendees" and that "she may have underlying issues of her own." The girl's mother, sister and 10 friends of the family who were at the hearing also wrote letters about Salant's comments, saying that he seemed more concerned with parents who leave their children unsupervised than holding the boys accountable for their actions.

http://www.gazette.net/stories/10212009/montnew212517_32538.shtml

Is this acceptable behavior? Is there an answer or explanation for this?

Other

Comment #: MD533
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Tell me, is this an acceptable outcome? Please, weigh in.

"Erin was taunted by other students, who accused her of “snitching”’ on the rapists. The girl was so traumatised that she slept with her mother or older sister until she went to live with relatives in Nevada, at her request.

The case shifted from adult to juvenile court, and Séamus T learned in September that two of the three rapists were back at Magruder High School. He filed a complaint with the board of education, and succeeded in having them transferred."

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/1219/1224260979380.html

Other

Comment #: MD532
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
The bottom line is this judge put three people who gang raped a girl on probation, and back in school, with their victim.

*If you have a case before this judge, do you trust that he will do right by you?
*If you have a relative who has been the victim of violent crime, do you trust that this judge will do right by them?

Does this judge have an explanation for his actions? Is it one that you think a fair-minded person would believe?

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/1219/1224260979380.html

***note, refiling these comments under ***other*** since I am NOT a criminal defense lawyer***

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD531
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
The bottom line is this judge put three people who gang raped a girl on probation, and back in school, with their victim.

*If you have a case before this judge, do you trust that he will do right by you?
*If you have a relative who has been the victim of violent crime, do you trust that this judge will do right by them?

Does this judge have an explanation for his actions? Is it one that you think a fair-minded person would believe?

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/1219/1224260979380.html

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD524
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
RE comment #MD520. This comment attacked news reports of the case, citing "errors."

Yet when challenged, the poster is unwilling to point to a single factual error, of any kind.

As such I've got to conclude that it was a vicious, desperate smear.

How disgusting.

Please, if there are any records of errors in news reports of the case, put them out there.

Other

Comment #: MD522
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
"Those of you who have have been inspired to commented about the rape case over which Jusge Salant presided, appear to have done so based on a report in the Irish Times that did not accurately report the facts."

This is a serious matter, and deserves to be looked at seriously. If the Irish Times has made mistakes in its coverage, point them out. If you're not willing to back up that claim with specifics, however, your claim must be dismissed.

"As a person who was present at the hearings, I can say that Judge Salant acted appropriately and judicially in all aspects of the case, eventhough I do not agree with all his determinations."

That's your view. The victim's father and Russell Butler of the Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center Inc., disagree. Unlike you, we have their names, which means their views are going to be taken more seriously than yours.

"This matter was not as it was portrayed in the newspaper."

Again, before you trash this journalists professional reputation you have to provide specifics. What did the Irish Times get wrong? Moreover, was an earlier account in the Gaithersburg Gazette, which mirrored the one in the Irish Times, inaccurate? Have either of these articles been corrected for anything more than a typo? No. Is anyone involved in these stories, or are any journalism organizations, making any complaints? No.

"Judge Salant treated the family of the victim with respect and sympathy."

Again, we have the word of one anonymous person who claims he or she was at this event against that of the father of the victim, Seamus T., and words of Judge Salant himself that have been cited in the media.

"You should also know that the father, much to his credit, at the end of the hearing, shook the hand of two of the juveniles involved. The father, who I beleive to be a man of honor and compassion, could not have felt mistreated at the time of the hearing, if he conducted himself in this manner."

Not so. You're conflating a man's forgiveness for the way these two juveniles treated his daughter, with the way the judge did. Those are two separate matters.

"Time and Yellow Journalism may have altered his view."

Again, you're attacking the messenger. What, specifically, did the Irish Times and the Gaithersburg Gazette get wrong? Since you're not providing specifics, we can't give any weight to your accusations of "yellow journalism." Moreover, you still haven't established that the father's views have changed (see above).

"Regardless, those of you who feel the need to comment should learn all the facts before doing so."

Please, give us a few facts then. The newspaper accounts seem pretty clear. They cite the father of the victim, an advocacy group, and Judge Salant's own words. You haven't given us any reason not to trust them.

"Judge Salant acted intellegently, appropriately, responsibliy and judicially in a very difficult case."
How do? Do you have specific examples? Moreover, how would you recognize these qualities if you can't even spell them correctly.

Again, Judge Salant deserves the right to respond. That right was extended to him by the reporter at the Irish Times. Hopefully, he will exercise that right as part of the process that will be triggered with "Seamus T.'s" complaint.

As it stands, however, the newspaper accounts give cause for a great deal of alarm about the judge's behavior, the fitness of the sentences he handed out, and the judicial system's ability to keep our children safe.

A thorough and factual response would be a step towards restoring that trust, and doing right by Judge Salant, if his actions are -- as you contend -- appropriate. Merely throwing around accusations of "yellow journalism" does us all a disservice.

Other

Comment #: MD521
Rating:1.0

Comments:
So one of the judge's 'friends' has been moved to post anonymously in his defense.

What a load of Baloney.

If the Irish Times had it wrong, why did't the judge comment and set them straight?

Is the story that relays the same facts in the Gaithersburg Gazette wrong, too?

http://www.gazette.net/stories/10212009/montnew212517_32538.shtml

Did the local paper "quote him out of context" when they report that he made the following remarks?

"I'm telling you this not to excuse behavior, but this was a disaster waiting to happen," Salant said. "...There was a dynamic at work here. There were things going on here. It doesn't make the respondents any less worthy of blame but what it does mean is I have to determine whether what we have here is sexual predators or respondents who acted horribly. ...They did not get that when a girl is intoxicated and presents herself in that manner you do not take advantage."

I'm sorry, what part of that statement is defensible?

Russell Butler, executive director of the nonprofit Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center Inc., didn't seem to think that Salant acted "appropriately and judiciously" when he said of Salant's behavior "For a court to blame the victim is clearly unconscionable."

Are you saying the Irish Times, the Gaithersberg Gazette, and Maryland Crime Victims' Resource Center Inc., all have it wrong?

And who are you anyhow? So you were there, in court. Well guess who else was: the victim's father, and he's filing a complaint. Has Salant responded (and not anonymously).

And what about the legislation being proposed by a pair of big-hearted female lawmakers to make sure a screw up like the one Salant made doesn't happen again?

If he got it right, would lawmakers be proposing that law? Or are you saying Kathleen Dumais and Nancy King have it wrong, too.

Sorry, Salant has a lot of explaining to do. I suggest he start talking to the press if he feels he's been portrayed wrong, because everyone else

Other

Comment #: MD520
Rating:9.0

Comments:
Those of you who have have been inspired to commented about the rape case over which Jusge Salant presided, appear to have done so based on a report in the Irish Times that did not accurately report the facts. As a person who was present at the hearings, I can say that Judge Salant acted appropriately and judicially in all aspects of the case, eventhough I do not agree with all his determinations. This matter was not as it was portrayed in the newspaper. Judge Salant treated the family of the victim with respect and sympathy. You should also know that the father, much to his credit, at the end of the hearing, shook the hand of two of the juveniles involved. The father, who I beleive to be a man of honor and compassion, could not have felt mistreated at the time of the hearing, if he conducted himself in this manner. Time and Yellow Journalism may have altered his view. Regardless, those of you who feel the need to comment should learn all the facts before doing so. Judge Salant acted intellegently, appropriately, responsibliy and judicially in a very difficult case.

Other

Comment #: MD519
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Something is very wrong here.

Other

Comment #: MD518
Rating:1.0

Comments:
There needs to be some kind of formal review of this judge's actions in the case of "Erin."

The public needs an explanation.

Other

Comment #: MD517
Rating:1.0

Comments:
SHAME

Other

Comment #: MD516
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Step down Salant.

Other

Comment #: MD515
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Mr. Salant did not respond to a reporter's request for a comment.

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2009/1219/1224260979380.html

However, I invite you to weigh in with an explanation for this here.

I have to say, after reading the above article I don't have any confidence in you.

Have you considered a career change? Maybe you could try doing estate and tax law?

Other

Comment #: MD514
Rating:1.0

Comments:
No one trusts your judgement, Mr. Salant. Kindly resign.

Prosecutor

Comment #: MD513
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Resign you pig.You are an absolute disgrace!

Other

Comment #: MD512
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge is a national disgrace.

Other

Comment #: MD511
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This judge is a national disgrace.

Other

Comment #: MD510
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Who appointed this judge?

Other

Comment #: MD509
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Resign

Other

Comment #: MD508
Rating:1.0

Comments:
You let violent, racist rapists return to school?
You gave probation to these same rapists who left a 15-year old to die.

Explain yourself.

If the races were reversed, you would have been hanged by sharpton and jackson.

You are a disgrace.

Other

Comment #: MD507
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Pig

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD506
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Salant is a racist, sexist pig who needs to be disbarred.

Other

Comment #: MD505
Rating:1.0

Comments:
The judge's handling of the case of "Seamus T" and his daughter is a national disgrace. As an American, I apologize to the Irish people for this utter travesty.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD504
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Is there anything-we as supporters of Seamus T can do to show more support for this cause?

Other

Comment #: MD503
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
I am appauled by Salants handling of this case involving the Irish American child who was gang raped. These attackers tried to kill her and it is not being dealt with, with this in mind. She survived and is unsupported by her society.
I am writing from Ireland. I would like to convey my support of Seamus T and to appeal to the Irish people to support his cause although I imagine it would be 'the last resort' to release his identity to protect his daughter. I hope he contacts the First Lady and never gives up.His daughter is a survivor and did nothing wrong.Never give up.

Other

Comment #: MD502
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Steven Salant is bigoted against a 15 year Irish-American girl, because she is white and Catholic. Given his prejudice and bias, he should not be a member of the judiciary system in Maryland or anywhere else.

Other

Comment #: MD501
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Worse loser than the rape defendants he loosed.

Other

Comment #: MD500
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Dear Dishon. Steven Salant, your corruption has not gone unnoticed. You let rapists walk out of your courtroom and blamed the rape victim, saying she "engaged in risky and provocative behaviour.” You said that these rapist animals maybe just didn't get that you don't take advantage of a drunk girl like that.

No, Sir, _you_ don't get it!

You're disgraceful and through your own corruption and deceit have helped cement into people's minds just how truly broken is the system of which you are a part.

Let us hope you get your just deserts.

Other

Comment #: MD499
Rating:1.0

Comments:
So, a gang rape isn't a gang rape if the victim has been drinking?
If the races had been reversed you would be out of a job by now.