The Delaware State Courts will be closed Wednesday, December 25, 2024 for Christmas Day. Justice of the Peace Court 11 (New Castle County) and Court 7 (Kent County) will remain open 24 hours and Justice of the Peace Court 3 (Sussex County) will be open from 6AM – 12AM (no new cases after 11:00PM).

  1. Delaware Courts
  2. Supreme Court
  3. Court on the Judiciary

The Court on the Judiciary


The Preliminary Investigatory Committee


Purpose and Powers

The Preliminary Investigatory Committee investigates complaints against judicial officers and makes written findings and recommendations to the Court on the Judiciary. When a complaint states a claim within the jurisdiction of the Court, the Chief Justice will designate a panel of up to three members of the Preliminary Investigatory Committee to investigate a complaint.


Members of the Preliminary Investigatory Committee

The Preliminary Investigatory Committee has twelve members. Eight are members of the Delaware Bar and four are non-lawyer residents of Delaware from diverse backgrounds. Each member serves up to a four-year term and may not serve more than two consecutive terms.


Current Members of the Preliminary Investigatory Committee

Lawyer Members

Don C. Brown, Esquire

second term ends April 2027

Hon. Richard R. Cooch

second term ends October 2028

Doneene K. Damon, Esquire

first term ends September 2028

Rebecca Batson Kidner, Esquire

second term ends October 2028

Glenn C. Mandalas, Esquire

first term ends September 2026

Hon. Henry duPont Ridgely

second term expires October 2028

David N. Rutt, Esquire

first term expires September 2026

Tetra S. Shockley, Esquire

second term expires October 2028

Non-Lawyer Members

Jennifer Cohan

second term expires October 2028

Michael J. Quaranta

second term ends April 2027

Michael Ratchford

first term ends September 2026

Juanita Wilson

first term ends September 2026