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 expires April 2027

P. Clarkson Collins, Jr., Esquire

first term expires September 2030

Hon. Richard R. Cooch

second term expires October 2028

Doneene K. Damon, Esquire

first term expires September 2028

Rebecca Batson Kidner, Esquire

second term expires October 2028

Deirdre A. McCartney, Esquire

first term expires September 2030

Hon. Henry duPont Ridgely

second term expires October 2028

Tetra S. Shockley, Esquire

second term expires October 2028

Non-Lawyer Members

Jennifer Cohan

second term expires October 2028

Michael J. Quaranta

second term expires April 2027

Michael Ratchford

second term expires September 2030

Juanita Wilson

second term expires September 2030