Q&A with Judge Richard Hodgson
The Honorable Richard J. Hodgson ’73 recently finished his tenure as president judge of Montgomery County. During his five years as chief judge, he was instrumental in creating and developing two specialty courts, the veterans court and the behavioral court, as well as retaining the county’s third specialty court, drug court. An effective leader, Judge Hodgson also convinced the county commissioners to approve two new bench seats, successfully lobbied for an addition to the county prison and worked with various county and prison officials to reduce overcrowding at the prison. Judge Hodgson, who will continue to serve as a member of the court, left an indelible mark on the Montgomery County Court.
Q&A with Judge Richard Hodgson
What was your greatest, or most rewarding, accomplishment as president judge?
The evolution of Drug Court as well as the creation of the Behavioral Health Court and Veterans Court.
Was it challenging to transition from being a practicing attorney to a judge? What inspired you to become a judge?
Yes, because your focus as a Judge is completely different.
After 21 years as a practicing attorney I felt the need to give back to the legal community by becoming a judge and calling upon all the skills that I had honed as an attorney.
What advice do you have for attorneys as they prepare to appear in court?
Be prepared, be respectful to the Court and your opponent and be on time.
What was the biggest obstacle you faced during the creation of the 3 specialty courts – the drug court, behavioral court and veterans court?
With respect to all 3 Courts, money in varying degrees is a continuing issue in this economy.
Is there a great need for such specialty courts?
Without question, the need for these courts is crucial as the prisons become overcrowded and as we continue to learn and understand that there are more effective alternatives to incarceration.
What did the process of creating the new specialty courts entail?
The biggest challenge, other than money, was for the Judges running these courts to select and coordinate the right people on their respective teams. At the same time, it was crucial to make the existence of these courts known to those people who might benefit from them.
Who has been your most influential mentor?
The late Honorable Robert W. Honeyman
What is the most important career lesson you have learned?
Listen to all sides of an issue and think before you decide.
