A new plaque dedicated to the late Municipal Court Judge Mike Daugherty was unveiled on Wednesday. The courtroom at the City Municipal Building will be named in his memory.
John Hamilton | News Journal
WILMINGTON — The courtroom a local judge presided over now bears his name.
On Wednesday, a plaque was unveiled dedicating the Clinton County Municipal Courtroom as the Michael T. Daugherty Memorial Courtroom.
The plaque highlights Daugherty’s philosophy in the courtroom.
“He treated all those who came before him with dignity and respect,” the plaque states. “His motto, ‘this person is God’s child and deserves to be treated with dignity’ was a way of life for Judge Daugherty. Those who knew Mike respected him for this and knew that he genuinely cared for others.”
Sarah Avey, the clerk of the municipal court, told the News Journal the court staff decided the plaque should be in the shape of a home plate. This was because Daugherty placed a home plate at the podium where the defendants stood when addressing the court. Annette Houck, from Wilmington, of Designer Set, made the plaque.
“He always gave a speech at the beginning of court to remind them that in his courtroom they were all treated with fairness and equality on ‘home plate’” said Avey.
Daugherty served as the Clinton County Municipal Court Judge from July 2015 until his sudden death in September 2022.
Avey felt this plaque was a perfect way to honor Daugherty.
“It embodied the true sentiment he portrayed on the bench every day. We all miss him very much and this plaque will be a great reminder of the wonderful man he was,” said Avey.
