Michele D. Hotten facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michele Hotten
Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland
In office December 22, 2015 – April 20, 2024
Appointed by	Larry Hogan
Preceded by	Glenn T. Harrell Jr.
Succeeded by	Peter Killough
Personal details
Born	(1954-04-20) April 20, 1954 (age 71) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Education	New College of Florida (BA) Howard University (JD)

Michele Denise Hotten (born April 20, 1954) is a senior justice who served on the Supreme Court of Maryland. She was appointed to this important role by Governor Larry Hogan.

Michele Hotten's Early Life and Education

Michele Hotten was the first person in her close family to go to college. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from the University of South Florida in 1975. Later, she went on to study law at the Howard University School of Law, where she received her law degree in 1979.

Michele Hotten's Career as a Judge

Michele Hotten has had a long and impressive career in law.

Serving as a Judge in Prince George's County

Before joining Maryland's highest court, Ms. Hotten worked as a judge in Prince George's County. She served as a circuit court judge for 16 years. A circuit court handles more serious cases, like major crimes and large civil disputes. She also spent one year as a district court judge, which handles smaller cases.

Other Legal Roles

Beyond being a judge, Ms. Hotten held several other important legal positions. She worked as an assistant state's attorney in Prince George's County. This means she helped represent the state in criminal cases. She also served as a deputy people's zoning counsel. In this role, she helped with rules about how land can be used. Additionally, she was a hearing examiner for the county Board of Education. This involved listening to arguments and making decisions for the school system. She also worked as a lawyer in private practice.

Joining the Maryland Court of Special Appeals

Ms. Hotten was appointed to the Maryland Court of Special Appeals by Governor Martin O'Malley on July 23, 2010. This court is Maryland's second-highest court. It reviews decisions made by lower courts.

Service on the Supreme Court of Maryland

On December 1, 2015, Governor Larry Hogan appointed Michele Hotten to the Supreme Court of Maryland. This is the highest court in the state. She officially started her new role on December 22, 2015.

When she was appointed, she was one of five women on the seven-judge panel. This was the most women the court had ever had at one time. She was also the second African American woman to be appointed to the court. Judge Shirley M. Watts was the first.

Ms. Hotten became a senior justice in April 2024. This happened after she reached the mandatory retirement age of 70 for judges.

Michele Hotten's Personal Life

Michele Hotten grew up in Southeast Washington, D.C. Her mother raised her alone and often worked three jobs to support the family. This background shows her strong determination and hard work.

See also

• List of African-American jurists

External links

• Official Biography on Maryland Court of Appeals: http://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/29ap/html/msa12366.html
• Michele D. Hotten at Ballotpedia