The Miracle on 34th Street rendition has been a tradition in Delaware courts for two decades.

Courts to re-enact ‘Miracle on 34th St.’ scene for 20th year

Jarek RutzHeadlines, Culture

A live action version of a cinematic Christmas classic is coming to Delaware courthouses for the 20th straight year. First State courts will offer performances of “Miracle on 34th Street” at each of the three county courthouses between Dec. 12 to Dec. 15. The two-decade tradition returned to live-action last year after the pandemic forced the event to go virtual.  …

cellphones

State courts to allow cellphones in, with a few restrictions

Betsy PriceCulture, Headlines

The Delaware Judiciary officially took another step toward the 21st century Thursday: The courts announced visitors will be allowed to bring cellphones and other personal electronics into all court facilities starting June 1, with some restrictions. The move widens a pilot program that started in February 2o22 and represents a major shift in court policy that for years has prevented …

Superior Court Judge William Carpenter Jr.

Longest-serving Superior Court judge to retire

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Delaware’s longest-serving Superior Court judge will retire after 30 years on the bench, court administrators announced Wednesday. Judge William Carpenter Jr. will step down Dec. 31, 2022, he said in a letter to Gov. John Carney in October. “While it is always difficult to walk away from a job that you have found so rewarding, my time has come,” Carpenter …

judge citizens for judicial fairness

Advocacy group presses Carney to appoint judge of color

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

A political advocacy group and Rev. Al Sharpton on Monday once again urged Gov. John Carney to fill two upcoming vacancies on the state Supreme Court with justices of color. Citizens for Judicial Fairness often works with Sharpton on the issue, which morphed out of the advocacy group’s original focus on Delaware’s Court of Chancery. Justice James T. Vaughn Jr. …

Delaware Supreme Court Justice James T. Vaughn

Longtime Delaware Supreme Court justice to retire

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

Delaware’s second longest-serving Supreme Court justice will retire in May 2023. Justice James T. Vaughn, Jr., 73, announced his decision Tuesday. “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve since 1998 as a Superior Court judge and Supreme Court Justice,” Vaughn said in a letter to Gov. John Carney. “I will always appreciate the memories of working with …

Denney

McGuiness deserves to be behind bars, prosecutors say

Charles MegginsonGovernment, Headlines

If prosecutors have their way, state Auditor Kathy McGuiness will see prison time for her misdemeanor corruption convictions. McGuiness is scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday after being found guilty in July of official misconduct and conflict of interest stemming from her decision to hire her daughter to work in the auditor’s office. The jury acquitted McGuiness of charges of theft …

Supreme Court of Delaware

$200,000 drive to pressure Carney to appoint Black judge

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

A nonprofit formed in the bitter aftermath of a Delaware court decision is launching a $200,000-plus campaign to push Gov. John Carney to appoint a Black judge to Delaware Supreme Court. Citizens for Judicial Fairness — unless recently known as Citizens for a Pro-Business Delaware — wants Carney to name a Black judge to replace Supreme Court Justice Tamika Montgomery-Reeves. …

Chancery Judge 1 1

Carney’s Chancery Court nomination draws fire from activists

Betsy PriceEconomy, Headlines

    Gov. John Carney on Friday nominated Wilmington lawyer Nathan A. Cook to serve on the Delaware Court of Chancery. He also nominated Kelly Hicks Sheridan to serve as a commissioner for the Family Court in New Castle County. Cook, managing partner of Block & Leviton’s Delaware office, was chosen to replace Joseph R. Slights III, who retired in …

Citizens for Judicial Fairness Black

Pro-business group rebrands to focus on judicial fairness

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

  Citizens for a Pro-Business Delaware will announce that it is rebranding during a Tuesday rally designed to pressure Gov. John Carney to appoint a Black justice to Chancery Court. The group’s name will change to Citizens for Judicial Fairness, to reflect its growth into an organization with a national focus in highlighting gaps in representation and fighting for equity …

a woman smiling for the camera

Carney appoints Black woman to New Castle Superior Court

Betsy PriceGovernment, Headlines

  Gov. John Carney will nominate a black lawyer to the Superior Court in New Castle County, one day after the first Black woman was confirmed for the U.S. Supreme Court. Patricia A. Winston, a partner at Morris James in Wilmington since 2017, focused on a range of corporate and commercial issues. The Delaware Senate is expected to consider her …