"The Robing Room: MD State Judges

Hon. Herman C. Dawson	See Rating Details
Associate Judge Circuit Court
Prince George's County 7th Circuit	See Comments

Attorney Average Rating: 3.2 - 12 rating(s) Non-Attorney Average Rating: 3.0 - 8 rating(s)	Please send me alerts on this judge E-mail Address:

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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. Herman C. Dawson

Comments

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1871
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
If you believe that Judge Herman C. Dawson has done something bad against you, you can appeal your case to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals in Annapolis Maryland 410-260-1450. Then to the Maryland Court of Appeals. Then if nothing is done. To the United Sated Surpreme Court. They have packets that you can fill out so that your case can be heard.
None of us should allow Judge Herman C. Dawson to take our children and break laws. Fight for your rights. The United State Supreme Court can do something about Judge Dawson.
My email address is solomon482@aol.com
My name is Solomon
Judge Dawson abducted my children and put them in foster care without any evidence of abuse harm or neglect.

Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building
361 Rowe Boulevard
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-260-1500 • 800-926-2583 • TTY 410-260-1554
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Fight back. Don't allow judges who are people to distroy you life.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1870
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
To all that want to complain about Judge Herman C. Dawson. There is a place where you can go about judges who's conduct is bad.
It is called the MARYLAND COMMISSION ON JUDICIAL DISABILITIES
100 Community Place Crownsville, Maryland 21032 phone number is 410-514-7044
You can tell these people if you believe any Judge has commited sanctionale conduct or if you belive a judge has a disability.
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Other

Comment #: MD1853
Rating:1.0

Comments:
NASTY ATTITUDE AND ARROGANT

Litigant

Comment #: MD1709
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge Herman Dawson has to be the worst judge in Prince George's county and in the state of Maryland. He very rude, unprofessional, and unfair. I was before him in a divorce case. Un- benounce to me, he prejudiced himself by accepting, reading, and filing a copy of a letter sent to him by my now ex-wife. He was suppose to send that letter back un-opened. I wondered at the time why was he coming down so hard on me? It was because he read and believed all the lies my ex- had written to him about me saying I was abusive, threatening and how "afraid" she was of me. I was none of that! She was the one physically attaching me! He ruled everything in her favor. He should be removed from the bench!!!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1612
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Judge dawson need to know....that just because a child being accuse does not mean the child is from a bad home. Maybe at the time the child was involved in the situation, it was out of the control of the parent. And believe that behind the child getting accuse of what....that the parent will correct it to make sure it will not be a next time. Am speaking on good parents, and I no that am a great and wonderful mother.

Litigant

Comment #: MD1577
Rating:7.0

Comments:
I dont know judge Dawson. Yes he is a good judge he gets down to business with no mercy trying to teach trouble kids . As I sat in court and watch how most kids dont care. One kid name mikal was honest he stated "I was begin irresponsible, to me that was a start he could have lied and said I never receive the papers but he didn't his court date is in 2 more weeks I will be there to see the outcome but everyone deserves a second chance and 2 weeks in a detention center should give him time to think and understand he need be more responsible cause begin 18 you could do alot of time for begin irresponsible.

Litigant

Comment #: MD1558
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
Dawson should NOT be allowed to practice family law. He is unprofessional, surly, and a misogynist. I have had to sit before him in a case involving my most precious gift- my daughter. My case was never heard. He ruled AGAINST the suggestion of the social worker of Prince George's court. I'm sorry to say, that Dawson is nothing but a reminder of the cronyism, male chauvinistic, ill-run, ALL Black broke as a joke, "PG" county. I can say this as a Black female that has lived momentarily in PG county and now in Calvert County (a way better system). Dawson represents the best and worst of PG county-- because there is no "best". The reason the county is broke and corrupt is because of "men" (and I use that term loosely) such as Dawson and the likes of Jack Johnson (which the two are close friends-- do the research). From the county government, court system, and school system. PG County is the absolute worst. Dawson epitomizes the effects of continued nepotism, social promotion, and mismanagement that PG is notorious for. I am not a native of this county (thank goodness) but I have lived there long enough to know -- enough is enough!!! People need to stand up and stand against the corruption of this county-- starting with the corrupt judges that are in office. Take a stand! Speak up and speak out!

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1556
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
A petty tyrant if there was ever

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1550
Rating:1.0

Comments:
He is the worst judge ever. A judge is supposed to hear both sides then make a decision after. That is the oath he is to uphold. I want to know who is his boss (everyone has a boss) and how do they allow this to continue to go on. I have read all of the comments about him and wonder why is allowed to continue to judge over children. I teach my children to respect the law and athority. I explain the roll of a judge. When they saw him in action it was the complete opposite. I think he needs to go back to school, read the bible more, or something to get back to doing what a judge is indended to do. (hear both sides and then make a decision)

Litigant

Comment #: MD1549
Rating:Not Rated
Comments:
He is the worst judge ever. A judge is supposed to hear both sides then make a decision after. That is the oath he is to uphold. I want to know who is his boss (everyone has a boss) and how do they allow this to continue to go on. I have read all of the comments about him and wonder why is allowed to continue to judge over children. I teach my children to respect the law and athority. I explain the roll of a judge. When they saw him in action it was the complete opposite. I think he needs to go back to school, read the bible more, or something to get back to doing what a judge is indended to do. (hear both sides and then make a decision)

Litigant

Comment #: MD1453
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This man is a monster, plain and simple. Not much different than the ones we were scared of when we were children. But this one is real and he doesn't seem to go away. The few times I have been in court, he is always the one presiding. Aren't there any more judges? It turns me off from wanting to fight my case because he is sexist and whenever I leave there I feel like ive been raped, assaulted (which it really is a form of that) and taken advantage of. He talks down to women, treats us like we're newborns or dummies and the men love it, why wouldnt they? They've won before its time to deliberate on the case. Sometimes I wonder why we women even bother. Why take a man to court. We may get the child support but in a case of him being told that the father is abusive and you would like supervised visitation, even for a little while, this high and mighty man denies it and then has to deal with the fallout once whet you said really happens. That is, if everyone survives to return to court. It might be dangerous out there, but its also dangerous in Judge Dawson court. You could have all the evidence in the world but if you're a woman, forget about it! And it also appears that the attorneys for the women know this and don't even fight for the women. Its just another situation of "the ole boys club " mentality. So ladies, if you really want a fighting chance fair and square, win or lose, definitely try and get a new venue, just like I will be seeking. When will this man be retiring? Anyone else has to be fairer than this sexist. I wonder if hes married because I read that judges like than like to be emasculated after hours. Well, it sure doesn't do anything to his personality. Hes still the monster in the closet.

Litigant

Comment #: MD1289
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Herman Dawson is one of the most pompous and egotistical judges that I have ever seen or heard in my life. I have not been in court very much, but my experience with him as a plaintiff in a family court matter gives me some idea to believe that the comments about him-especially in matters where women are involved, is absolutely right. He is untimely for court appearances, unprofessional, and uses the courtroom as stand-up comedy act. He is insensitive in matters of family court and champion’s dead-beat dads. He does NOT listen to evidence or inquire about situations with families. He is a large part of why the judicial system in Prince George’s county is so corrupt. He should be disbarred. I would advocate for any woman who had an encounter with him in the courtroom where they felt they were not listened to, ridiculed, or chastised to immediately report him to the Maryland Commission on Judicial Disabilities. It is time for to be taken off of the bench.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1288
Rating:1.1

Other

Comment #: MD1243
Rating:2.0

Comments:
Judge Dawson feels it appropriate to call out defendants in the court room prior to their turn before the bench and put them on the spot talking about their personal business. It is humiliating and unnecessary. He also discusses personal business of the prosecutors and attorneys which has nothing to do with the case before him. Wastes too much time, is arrogant and does not listen to what the juvenile says without trying to be amusing with his comments.

Other

Comment #: MD1214
Rating:10.0

Comments:
I think Judge Dawson is excellent jurist. He seems to be no nonsense but well thought and reasonable and fair person.

Litigant

Comment #: MD1054
Rating:2.0

Comments:
Judge Herman Dawson is rude and unprofessional. His comments to female attorneys and staff are unprofessional to say the least. He should not be allowed to preside over any juvenile case as he does not read background information provided and makes decisions before he hears the facts. If you are not saying what he wants to hear or you challenge him you can be sure your child is going to Cheltenham whether guilty or not. He arrived at court an hour late and then took up unnecessary time with inappropriate (he thought amusing) comments to attorneys and prosecutors. Children's welfare it the least of his concern.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1052
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Herman Dawson is a bumbling idiot who knows nothing about the law except how to legally abuse it. He has put up this fascde to suggest that he cares about our young people and minor children but instead treats them as if they are the scum of the earth. Judge Dawson's own son stay in trouble with the law and Judge Dawson manages to cover his son's criminal acts. I have found when you challenge him (which we did) he holds a gudge and no matter what the circumstances he still rules against you. Why does the citizens of Prince Georges County have to put up with a judge who abuses his power all because he has the power to do so and he knows no one will challenge him including the judicial committee.

Other

Comment #: MD1050
Rating:1.0

Comments:
Judge Herman Dawson is by far one of the most unproffesional Judges I have ever encountered. He claims to be helping our juveniles in Prince George's County but seems to get a kick out of locking them up, belittling families, talking down upon you and showing no respect to the human race. People fear him and are scared to challenge him but when you do, he shuts you down so the truth behind the juvenile system is not heard, These juveniles are not getting the rehabilitation they need to be productuive citizens once returned to their communities.They become so institutionalized for petty crimes like fighting in school its hard for them to adapt oncve released. It is a money making business off of these kids.He does not want to help, please don't be fooled by the positive comments about this idiot!!!He is rude, non-caring and just cares about his reputation.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD1004
Rating:7.0

Comments:
In juvenile, he means well. truly wants to help the kids

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD866
Rating:1.3

Comments:
I have heard him in juvenile and family court as he talks down to children and counsel(believes he is the savior to the african american race) and he tends to take that attitude to counsel in other areas of law (his extreme rudeness). He clearly shows favorites and is one of the worst judges in that circuit court. He was arrested some years ago for disturbing the peace and told the police "do you know who I am -- I am a judge." They promptly arrested him -- he had been drinking and disturbing others in the bar. He has the "big head."

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD694
Rating:1.0

Comments:
This joker is UNBELIEVABLE. A complete lunatic in the courtroom. He might amuse himself while he is making his self-aggrandizing remarks and compliments to his female staffers, but to everyone trying to carry on official courthouse business it is nothing more than an abomination. Boy, he just thinks he is the greatest thing since sliced bread.......this one needs a reality check BIG TIME. This is a profession, folks, and the Judges need to play the part, act the part, BE a professional, and the like. Not with this one, though. He obviously won't do right until he gets the wake-up call that a state judgeship is not a lifetime appointment.......

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD340
Rating:7.5

Comments:
He is great in juvenile and domestic cases. As for foreclosure cases, he understands the dynamics of the trustees and the borrowers and despite being overwhelmed by the sheer number of cases I believe that he does a good job.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD178
Rating:2.4

Comments:
One of the worst judges on the bench. I sat in his courtroom for an emergency TRO and witnessed his extremely rude behavior towards several women seeking relief. He is a very poor reflection on the Prince George's County bench.

Criminal Defense Lawyer

Comment #: MD143
Rating:4.9

Comments:
He is great in juvenile and domestic cases but terrible in anything else.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD96
Rating:1.3

Comments:
The worst judge that I've seen in a while. In one case, he did not even take the time to understand which litigants he had before him. The Court of Special Appeals has sanctioned him in the past and his record toward female litigants is sad.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD30
Rating:8.0

Comments:
He seems pretty sharp. He saw through some fairly weak testimony in a domestic violence case.

Civil Litigation - Private

Comment #: MD27
Rating:1.6

Comments:
Awful. Makes no secret as to who he favors in any litigation. Smartest guy he ever met.