Judge Marina L. Sabett Receives National Leadership Award
The Maryland judge is honored for her work improving outcomes for justice system participants with behavioral health needs.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Mental Health
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Montgomery County District Court Associate Judge Marina L. Sabett has been named a 2026 recipient of the Judge Stephen S. Goss Memorial Award for Leadership. The honor recognizes her significant contributions to judicial efforts assisting individuals with mental health and substance use challenges.
Why it matters
The award highlights the critical role of judicial leadership in integrating behavioral health resources within the justice system to better serve vulnerable populations. It specifically acknowledges Sabett's commitment to steering reform initiatives that bridge the gap between legal proceedings and necessary health support.
The 2026 Judge Stephen S. Goss Memorial Award was granted to two recipients chosen from nominees across 20 states. The selection was conducted by a national committee composed of judges, psychiatrists, and individuals with lived experience.
The players
Marina L. Sabett
She is an associate judge for the District Court of Maryland for Montgomery County and a leader in behavioral health judicial initiatives.
Judges & Psychiatrists Leadership Initiative
This organization facilitates the Judge Stephen S. Goss Memorial Award to promote improved justice system outcomes for those with mental health needs.
The details
As the coordinate judge for behavioral health for Maryland's judiciary, Sabett led the Statewide Steering Committee on Behavioral Health and the Justice System. The award is presented through a partnership involving The Council of State Governments Justice Center, the American Psychiatric Association Foundation, and the National Center for State Courts.
Timeline
Sabett has served on the District Court of Maryland since January 20, 2017.
She previously received the Wayne Fenton Memorial Award in 2017.
Sabett has been a member of Maryland's Behavioral Health Advisory Council since 2024.
The Big Picture
This story follows a pattern set by the Judges & Psychiatrists Leadership Initiative by recognizing judges who prioritize clinical outcomes in the courtroom. The award marks a continuation of the recognition programs supported by the organization to formalize behavioral health expertise in the judiciary.
This recognition signals a continued state-level focus on providing specialized behavioral health interventions for individuals encountering the Maryland justice system. Residents may see more consistent application of mental health support protocols within Montgomery County courtrooms as a result of these initiatives.
The takeaway
Effective justice system reform requires active coordination between legal institutions and mental health professionals. Judges who prioritize these partnerships help ensure that participants with health needs receive appropriate support during and after their court cases.
Further reading
Learn more about local efforts by visiting the Mental Health section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
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