Judge Daniel Baranoski elected as 2nd vice president of Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
From June 13–16, more than 500 judges from across the state convened at the picturesque Pocono Manor for the 45th annual conference of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania. Among attendees was Judge Daniel Baranoski, a magisterial district judge at District Court 07–1–07 in Penndel, which serves Hulmeville Borough, Langhorne Borough, Langhorne Manor Borough, Lower Southampton Township, Middletown Township and Penndel Borough.
Baranoski thought it would be just like any other conference. Instead, he received a special surprise. Nominated by his SCJAP peers, Baranoski was elected as 2nd vice president of the organization. In this role, he’ll serve a one-year term before automatically moving up to 1st vice president and, finally, president.
“I was humbled to be elected by more than 500 judges across the commonwealth,” he said. “Although I have been active in the SCJAP for several years, the nomination and election was very flattering that so many of my colleagues have placed such trust in me.”
For those unfamiliar, the SCJAP is a professional association representing, as of June, 511 magisterial district judges, 96 senior magisterial district judges, 26 Philadelphia Municipal Court judges and three senior Philadelphia Municipal Court judges. All judges in these positions are automatically members.
Since its creation on May 17, 1976, the mission of the SCJAP has remained the same: “to foster, promote and advance, without becoming involved in partisan politics of any kind, the study and application of the laws pertaining to, administered by and affecting Special Court Judges.” The association also works to uphold judicial ethics and moral obligations.
The SCJAP was initially formed by district justices (formerly justices of peace), Philadelphia Municipal Court judges, Philadelphia Traffic Court judges, and Pittsburgh Municipal Court judges. In 2004, Act 207 of the Pennsylvania State Legislature officially changed the name of district justices to magisterial district judges to more closely associate them to the positions they fill. Legislative changes in recent years have consolidated the Philadelphia Traffic Court and Pittsburgh Municipal Court judges into other courts.
As Baranoski prepares to transition into his role as 2nd vice president of this historic organization, he has a few key initiatives in mind. First and foremost, he hopes to improve the image of the magisterial district judge.
“Magisterial District Courts are most people’s first and only contact with the judicial system. District judges are the face of the Pennsylvania judiciary,” he said.
Baranoski elaborated on the role of a district judge, explaining how these courts are often the most affordable option for people since the majority of litigants appear without an attorney.
According to Baranoski, district judges have jurisdiction in civil matters up to $12,000 in controversy and hear all landlord/tenant matters. All summary trials, traffic and non-traffic, are held at District Courts. They conduct all preliminary hearings in criminal matters, issue search warrants, arrest warrants and emergency Protection from Abuse Orders, and even conduct weddings and administer oaths. District judges also rotate “night duty,” to ensure someone is available at any time to conduct arraignments, and set and accept bail.
“Judges provide a valuable community resource and use their unique knowledge of the community to mete out justice in a fair, transparent and appropriate venue,” he said.
Though Baranoski’s work will encompass all of Pennsylvania, he’s positive his new position will have a direct, positive impact on his own community.
“By being in a leadership role in the state, I can better serve Bucks County’s interests in discussing rules and procedures to implement change on the state level to benefit the court system here,” he said. “This gives Bucks County a better voice.”
After taking into consideration Baranoski’s vast experience, it’s safe to say both the state and county are in good hands. Since retiring from his role as a police detective, he has served as magisterial district judge at District Court 07–1–07 for 11 years. He has also been an active member of the Bucks County District Judge Association, serving on many committees and offices, including two years as president.
For several years, he has been extremely active in the SCJAP, having vital roles with a number of committees including the Court Rules Committee, which he has been vice chair of for the past four years. Baranoski also had the opportunity to serve on the SCJAP Retention Committee and participate in developing and organizing the statewide survey of magisterial district judges conducted in 2016. This past year, he was appointed to chair the new Strategic Planning Committee. For the past two years, he has served as an Executive Committee advisor under past SCJAP presidents Sue Mack and John Fishel.
Baranoski is also active in several local nonprofit organizations, including president of the Bucks County Community Foundation, which recently awarded almost $16,000 to 26 local students, and former chair of the Bucks County Drug and Alcohol Commission.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, Baranoski has been happily married to his wife Kathleen for more than 20 years. He’s also the proud father of two daughters, Jessica and Julie. ••
Samantha Bambino can be reached at sbambino@newspapermediagroup.com
