A “master” by any other name?

March 31, 2008

The Maryland Judiciary is holding a contest among its employees to rename the position of master in Circuit Court. But that can’t stop us from having our own little contest, now can it?

First, some background: The Judiciary wants a different name besides “master” because of the word’s negative associations, particularly to slavery. The name actually derives from “master in chancery,” which dates back to medieval England and refers to a person who decides cases based on equity.

Maryland’s 63 masters are selected and overseen by the circuit court in each jurisdiction and hear primarily family and juvenile law cases. They can write opinions and recommendations but their work is not legally binding unless reviewed and signed by a judge.

As for the contest, 15 names had been submitted last week, including “baron,” “juris magistrate,” and “barrister,” which is my favorite because it makes me think of English guys in frilly, powdered wigs.

But who cares what I think. What do you think? What should Maryland rename its masters? Does the position need to be renamed at all?

DANNY JACOBS, Legal Affairs Writer

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Posted by Jackie Sauter | Filed Under law 

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