Philip Thomas Cronin was sworn in as an associate judge of the Circuit Court for Talbot County, Maryland, at an investiture ceremony held at the Talbot County Circuit Courthouse. Kathleen Duvall, clerk of the court for the circuit court, administered the oath and presented Cronin with his commission from the state of Maryland. Chief Justice Matthew Fader of the Supreme Court of Maryland and numerous judges, local elected officials and family members attended the ceremony.

The ceremony emphasized the office’s responsibilities in a single-judge county. Acting Administrative Judge Beau Ernest, who introduced the bench, told the audience he was “ready to return to blissful retirement,” and said of the investiture: “I can assure … our new worthy judge … that nobody, even you, are as excited about your investiture than I am.” Chief Justice Matthew Fader said the judicial robe is “a symbol of service, of subservience to the rule of law, of an unwavering commitment to equal justice under law.”

In remarks after taking the oath, Judge Philip Thomas Cronin thanked officials who supported his appointment and pledged to the court and the community: “I promise I will work hard. I will remain committed to following the law, to judging fairly, and treating everyone with dignity and respect.” Cronin also expressed gratitude to Governor Moore for the appointment.

Speakers at the ceremony recounted Cronin’s legal and community background, noting experience as a law clerk, prosecutor and private practitioner in the region and his work representing children in family-law cases. Senior Judge Karen Murphy Jensen delivered the judicial charge, offering guidance and practical advice for serving in a single-judge jurisdiction and urging the new judge to stay connected to the community.

The investiture included an invocation and benediction by the Reverend James Nash and concluded with an announcement of a reception at the Academy of the Arts. The clerk’s office noted the commission and related paperwork were finalized as part of the swearing-in; an effective date for the commission was not specified during the ceremony.