Md. Judge Who Led Juvenile Justice Changes Dies

BALTIMORE (AP) -- George Bacon Rasin Jr., a Maryland judge who led a movement to modernize juvenile justice in the state, has died.

Rasin's daughter says he died Friday of congestive heart failure. He was 94.

The Baltimore Sun reports Rasin graduated from Washington College and earned a law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law.

After serving as state's attorney for Kent County and Kent County's state senator, he was appointed in 1960 as a Circuit Court judge for Kent County. He was elected in 1962 and 1978 to 15-year terms. In 1965, he became chairman of a special commission to study juvenile offender laws. The commission's findings led to the creation of a state Department of Juvenile Services.

A memorial service is planned for Jan. 20.

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