Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ) — Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Subtitle 1. Definitions
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-101 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 1. Definitions
§ 1–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this title the following words or terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)
“Circuit court” means the circuit court for a county.
(c)
“Court” means the Supreme Court of Maryland, Appellate Court of Maryland, circuit court, and District Court of Maryland, or any of them, unless the context clearly requires a contrary meaning. It does not include an orphans’ court, or the Maryland Tax Court.
(d)
“Judge” means a judge of a court.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-102 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 1. Definitions
§ 1–102LinkCopy Citation
Any official letterhead stationery of the judicial department of State government shall include the telephone number of the individual public office which uses that stationery.
Subtitle 2. General
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-201 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 2. General
§ 1–201LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The power of the Supreme Court of Maryland to make rules and regulations to govern the practice and procedure and judicial administration in that court and in the other courts of the State shall be liberally construed. Without intending to limit the comprehensive application of the term “practice and procedure,” the term includes the forms of process; writs; pleadings; motions; parties; depositions; discovery; trials; judgments; new trials; provisional and final remedies; appeals; unification of practice and procedure in actions at law and suits in equity, so as to secure one form of civil action and procedure for both; and regulation of the form and method of taking and the admissibility of evidence in all cases, including criminal cases.
(b)
Except for the District Court, other courts may by rule regulate terms of court for purposes other than the return of process and may make other rules of practice and procedure subject to and not inconsistent with any rule of the Supreme Court of Maryland. However, except for a rule regulating terms of court, every rule shall be adopted pursuant to the limitations and procedures prescribed by the Maryland Rules, unless authority to adopt rules is expressly granted by public general law.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-202 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 2. General
§ 1–202LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A court may exercise the power to punish for contempt of court or to compel compliance with its commands in the manner prescribed by Title 15, Chapter 200 of the Maryland Rules.
(b)
A person who has been adjudicated guilty of contempt for failure to pay a monetary amount specified in a decree or order passed in a civil proceeding is not barred by reason of the adjudication of contempt from filing a petition for modification of the decree or order, requesting any other relief, or proceeding to hearing on a petition, even though the contempt has not been purged or removed. A petition filed prior to actual adjudication of contempt may be consolidated in the discretion of the court and heard with a citation for contempt, if the petition is at issue and ready for disposition in accordance with the practice in the court in which the matter is pending.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-203 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 2. General
§ 1–203LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, no judge may during his term of office practice law, maintain an office for the practice of law, or have any interest in an office for the practice of law, whether conducted in whole or in part by himself or by others. A judge may not allow his name to be used in connection with a law office, nor may he profit directly or indirectly from the practice of law.
(b)
Prior to qualification for judicial office, a judge may agree with his former law firm, or his successor in practice, that the judge may receive over a reasonable period of time one or more payments representing the reasonable liquidated value of his interest in his former practice as of the date of the termination of practice. The agreement shall be in writing and a copy shall be filed with the secretary of the Maryland Judicial Conference. In determining reasonable liquidated value, the judge’s interest in contingent fees with respect to matters then pending in his law office may be taken into account.
(c)
While he is receiving payments under this section, a judge may not hear a case in which a partner or employee of his former firm or successor in interest is an attorney of record.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-204 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 2. General
§ 1–204LinkCopy Citation
A justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland or a judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland, by reason of residence in Anne Arundel County during his term of office, does not abandon his legal residence in the appellate judicial circuit from which he was appointed or elected unless he registers to vote in any election in Anne Arundel County.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-205 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 2. General
§ 1–205LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2)
“Court” means the Supreme Court of Maryland, the Appellate Court of Maryland, a circuit court, the District Court of Maryland, and an orphans’ court.
(3)
“Personal information” means an individual’s:
(i)
Social Security number; or
(ii)
Driver’s license number.
(4)
“Publicly post or display” means to intentionally make available to the public.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided by law, on or after June 1, 2010, a court, to the extent practicable, may not publicly post or display on an Internet website maintained or paid for by the court an individual’s personal information.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-206 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 2. General
§ 1–206LinkCopy Citation
(a)
There is a minimum adequate security standard for courtroom security at all courthouse facilities in the State.
(b)
For the purposes of this section, a court security officer must meet the qualifications for a special police officer as defined in § 3–301 of the Public Safety Article.
(c)
Beginning July 1, 2027, during court proceedings, any entity responsible for providing courthouse security shall use best efforts to have present a minimum of:
(1)
One court security officer in each courtroom for any criminal, family, or juvenile proceeding;
(2)
Two court security officers in each courtroom for any proceeding involving an incarcerated individual or an individual who may be remanded to custody as a result of the proceeding; and
(3)
One additional court security officer for every four or fewer courtrooms on each floor of a courthouse.
(d)
Beginning July 1, 2029, during court proceedings, any entity responsible for providing courthouse security shall use best efforts to have present a minimum of:
(1)
One court security officer in each courtroom for any type of proceeding;
(2)
Two court security officers in each courtroom for any proceeding involving an incarcerated individual or any individual who may be remanded into custody as a result of the proceeding; and
(3)
One additional court security officer for every four or fewer courtrooms on each floor of a courthouse.
Subtitle 3. Supreme Court of Maryland
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-301 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 3. Supreme Court of Maryland
§ 1–301LinkCopy Citation
The Supreme Court of Maryland, established by Article IV, §§ 1 and 14 of the Maryland Constitution, is the highest court of the State.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-302 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 3. Supreme Court of Maryland
§ 1–302LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this section, “former judge” means a judge who previously served in a court.
(b)
Except as provided in subsection (c) of this section, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland may assign any former judge to sit temporarily in any court if the temporary assignment is approved by the administrative judge of the circuit in which the former judge is to be assigned and if the former judge:
(1)
Has served in the aggregate at least 2 years as a judge, except that in Talbot County, the former judge shall have served in the aggregate at least 1 year as a judge;
(2)
Has been approved for assignment by a majority of the justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland;
(3)
Meets the standards established by this section as well as any additional standards established by rule of the Supreme Court of Maryland; and
(4)
Has consented to the assignment.
(c)
A former judge may not be recalled for temporary assignment if the judge:
(1)
Was removed or involuntarily retired from judicial office pursuant to the Constitution or laws of this State;
(2)
Voluntarily retired by reason of disability;
(3)
Had the most recent service as a judge terminated by reason of defeat for election to judicial office or by rejection of confirmation by the Senate;
(4)
Was censured by the Supreme Court of Maryland upon recommendation of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities; or
(5)
Is engaged in the practice of law.
(d)
A former judge recalled under this section may not be temporarily assigned for more than 180 working days in any calendar year. However, if the case which the former judge is hearing at the end of the 180–day period is not concluded, the time may be extended until that case is concluded.
(e)
A former judge temporarily assigned under this section has all the power and authority of a judge of the court to which he is assigned.
(f)
(1)
Whether or not he is receiving a retirement allowance, a former judge temporarily assigned under this section shall receive a per diem compensation for each day he is actually engaged in the discharge of judicial duties based on the current annual salary of the court in which he served immediately prior to his resignation or retirement. The per diem shall be computed on the basis of 246 working days a year. If the sum of the per diem payments received by a former judge in any 1 calendar year, when added to the retirement allowance he is entitled to receive during that calendar year, equals the annual salary of a judge of the court in which the former judge served immediately prior to the termination of his active service, no further per diem is payable to the former judge in that calendar year.
(2)
A deduction may not be withheld for health benefits or retirement purposes from the compensation paid to a former judge during temporary judicial service. The performance of temporary judicial service does not provide additional service for retirement credit purposes.
(3)
In addition to the per diem compensation provided for in paragraph (1) of this subsection, he shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses actually incurred by reason of the assignment, in accordance with State joint travel regulations.
(g)
Preference for temporary assignment shall be given to retired judges from the circuit in which the temporary assignment is to take place.
Subtitle 4. Appellate Court of Maryland
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-401 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 4. Appellate Court of Maryland
§ 1–401LinkCopy Citation
The Appellate Court of Maryland is established. It is an intermediate court of appeal authorized by Article IV, §§ 1 and 14A of the Maryland Constitution.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-402 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 4. Appellate Court of Maryland
§ 1–402LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Appellate Court of Maryland consists of 15 judges, one of whom shall be designated by the Governor as Chief Judge.
(b)
Except as otherwise provided in this section, the judges of the Appellate Court of Maryland shall be selected, appointed, retained, removed from office, or retired as provided in Article IV of the Maryland Constitution with respect to justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland. One judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland shall be a resident respectively of each of the appellate judicial circuits defined in Article IV, § 14 of the Maryland Constitution. When election to judicial office is required by the Constitution, each of these judges shall be elected by the qualified voters of his circuit of residence. The remaining judges of the Appellate Court of Maryland may be residents of any part of the State and, when election to judicial office is required by the Constitution, shall be elected by the qualified voters of the entire State. The term of a judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland begins on the date of his qualification for office.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-403 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 4. Appellate Court of Maryland
§ 1–403LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3) of this subsection, the Appellate Court of Maryland shall hold its sessions in the City of Annapolis at the time or times it prescribes by rule.
(2)
As designated by the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland, in conjunction with the deans of the University of Maryland School of Law and the University of Baltimore School of Law, the Appellate Court of Maryland may hold sessions at the University of Maryland, Baltimore Campus and the University of Baltimore.
(3)
As designated by the Chief Judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland, in conjunction with the administrations of secondary and postsecondary educational institutions in the State, the Appellate Court of Maryland may hold sessions at secondary and postsecondary educational institutions in the State.
(4)
Its sessions shall continue not less than ten months in each year, if the business before it so requires.
(b)
A case before the Appellate Court of Maryland shall be heard by a panel of not less than three judges. The panels shall be constituted, sit at the times, and hear the cases as directed by the Chief Judge from time to time. A quorum of a panel consists of one less than the number of judges designated to sit on the panel. The concurrence of a majority of a panel is necessary for the decision of a case.
(c)
A hearing or rehearing before the court in banc may be ordered in any case by a majority of the incumbent judges of the court. Six judges of the court constitute a quorum of the court in banc. The concurrence of a majority of the incumbent judges of the entire court is necessary for decision of a case heard or reheard by the court in banc.
Subtitle 5. Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-501 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 5. Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction
§ 1–501LinkCopy Citation
The circuit courts are the highest common-law and equity courts of record exercising original jurisdiction within the State. Each has full common-law and equity powers and jurisdiction in all civil and criminal cases within its county, and all the additional powers and jurisdiction conferred by the Constitution and by law, except where by law jurisdiction has been limited or conferred exclusively upon another tribunal.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-502 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 5. Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction
§ 1–502LinkCopy Citation
Notwithstanding § 4-301(b)(1) or § 4-302 of this article, a circuit court has exclusive, original jurisdiction over a misdemeanor under Title 8, Subtitle 5 of this article.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-503 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 5. Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction
§ 1–503LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In each county in the first seven judicial circuits there shall be the number of resident judges of the circuit court set forth below, including the judge or judges provided for by the Constitution:
(1)
Allegany 2
(2)
Anne Arundel 13
(3)
Baltimore County 21
(4)
Calvert 3
(5)
Caroline 1
(6)
Carroll 4
(7)
Cecil 4
(8)
Charles 5
(9)
Dorchester 1
(10)
Frederick 6
(11)
Garrett 1
(12)
Harford 6
(13)
Howard 5
(14)
Kent 1
(15)
Montgomery 24
(16)
Prince George’s 25
(17)
Queen Anne’s 1
(18)
St. Mary’s 3
(19)
Somerset 1
(20)
Talbot 1
(21)
Washington 6
(22)
Wicomico 4
(23)
Worcester 3
(b)
In Baltimore City there shall be 35 resident judges of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-504 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 5. Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction
§ 1–504LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland shall certify to the Governor for inclusion without revision in each State budget an appropriation not to exceed $500,000 to pay rent directly to counties for space occupied in county facilities by clerks of the circuit courts, as provided in this section.
(b)
To the extent provided in the State budget the rent shall be calculated per net usable square foot, with no additional reimbursement of maintenance and utility cost.
(c)
Unless the Administrative Office of the Courts and a county agree otherwise, the county may not decrease the net usable square footage allocated to the clerk of the circuit court for the county below the net usable square footage allotted for fiscal year 2002.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-505 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 5. Trial Courts of General Jurisdiction
§ 1–505LinkCopy Citation
(a)
This section applies to a circuit courthouse that is constructed or undergoes a major renovation project on or after October 1, 2025.
(b)
A circuit courthouse shall maintain on its premises a private lactation room that may be used by employees of the court and members of the public to nurse and express breast milk.
(c)
The lactation room required under this section shall include:
(1)
A chair with a table and electrical outlet nearby to accommodate placement of a breast pump device;
(2)
A door that may be locked from the inside;
(3)
A sink; and
(4)
A refrigerator.
Subtitle 6. District Court
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-601 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–601LinkCopy Citation
The District Court of Maryland is established. It is the court of limited jurisdiction created by Article IV, §§ 1 and 41A through 41-I of the Maryland Constitution. It is a court of record and shall have a seal.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-602 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–602LinkCopy Citation
For the purposes of operation and administration of the District Court, the State is divided into the following districts:
(1)
District 1 -- Baltimore City.
(2)
District 2 -- Dorchester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Worcester counties.
(3)
District 3 -- Caroline, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Kent, and Cecil counties.
(4)
District 4 -- Charles, St. Mary’s, and Calvert counties.
(5)
District 5 -- Prince George’s County.
(6)
District 6 -- Montgomery County.
(7)
District 7 -- Anne Arundel County.
(8)
District 8 -- Baltimore County.
(9)
District 9 -- Harford County.
(10)
District 10 -- Howard and Carroll counties.
(11)
District 11 -- Frederick and Washington counties.
(12)
District 12 -- Allegany and Garrett counties.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-603 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–603LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The court is composed of a Chief Judge and the number of associate judges provided for in subsection (b) of this section. If the Chief Judge is relieved of the Judge’s duties as Chief Judge but not removed from office as a judge of the District Court, the Chief Judge shall serve for the remainder of the Judge’s term of office as a District Court judge, as a resident judge of the Judge’s district and county of residence, without reference to the maximum number of judges for that district prescribed in subsection (b) of this section.
(b)
In each of the districts provided for in § 1–602 of this subtitle, there shall be the following number of associate judges of the District Court:
(1)
District 1 — 28
(2)
District 2 — 6, two to be appointed from Wicomico County and two to be appointed from Worcester County
(3)
District 3 — 6, two to be appointed from Cecil County
(4)
District 4 — 7, two to be appointed from Calvert County, two to be appointed from St. Mary’s County, and three to be appointed from Charles County
(5)
District 5 — 19
(6)
District 6 — 13
(7)
District 7 — 10
(8)
District 8 — 15
(9)
District 9 — 4
(10)
District 10 — 7, two to be appointed from Carroll County and five to be appointed from Howard County
(11)
District 11 — 6, three to be appointed from Frederick County and three to be appointed from Washington County
(12)
District 12 — 3, two to be appointed from Allegany County
(c)
In each district comprising more than one county, there shall be at least one District Court judge resident and holding court in each county in the district.
(d)
To ensure that the services of the District Court are readily and practicably available in all areas of District 8 and to ensure that these services are provided to all citizens of District 8 with a minimum of inconvenience and a maximum of availability, there shall be a court facility physically located in each of the following areas of that district, and at least one judge shall sit regularly in each location:
(1)
The Towson area;
(2)
The Catonsville area; and
(3)
The Essex area.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-603.1 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–603.1LinkCopy Citation
The District Courthouse, located at 8552 Second Avenue, Silver Spring, Montgomery County, Maryland, shall be renamed the Judge L. Leonard Ruben District Courthouse.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-603.2 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–603.2LinkCopy Citation
The plaza located on the south side of the Mary E. W. Risteau District Courts and Multi–Service Center in Harford County, Maryland, shall be named the H. Wayne Norman, Jr. Memorial Plaza.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-605 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–605LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The Chief Judge of the District Court is the chief administrative officer of the District Court and responsible for the maintenance, administration, and operation of the court in all its locations throughout the State.
(b)
The Chief Judge of the District Court may make administrative regulations for the governing of the District Court, subject to and not inconsistent with the rules of the Supreme Court of Maryland.
(c)
The Chief Judge of the District Court may assign a judge of the District Court to sit temporarily in a county other than the judge’s county of residence.
(d)
In addition to the powers and duties granted and imposed in subsections (a), (b), and (c) of this section, or elsewhere by law or rule, the Chief Judge of the District Court shall:
(1)
Appoint a chief clerk of the District Court, a chief administrative clerk for each district, and other personnel of the District Court pursuant to Article IV, § 41F of the Maryland Constitution;
(2)
Approve the appointments of commissioners of the District Court pursuant to Article IV, § 41G of the Maryland Constitution;
(3)
Establish uniform record–keeping procedures for the District Court;
(4)
In conjunction with the Motor Vehicle Administrator, establish uniform procedures for reporting traffic cases in the District Court, including procedures for promptly notifying the Motor Vehicle Administration of each citation within the jurisdiction of the District Court that is issued to a minor licensed in the State charging the minor with a moving violation as defined in § 11–136.1 of the Transportation Article;
(5)
In conjunction with the State Comptroller, establish a system for the collection and remittance of costs, fines, penalties, and forfeitures collected by the District Court;
(6)
Approve in writing the destruction of pleadings, papers, or files proposed for destruction pursuant to § 2–205 of this article;
(7)
On the recommendation of the administrative judge of any district, approve in writing the invalidation and destruction of certain warrants for arrest, if the administrative judge certifies to the Chief Judge that:
(i)
Each of the warrants is more than 3 years old;
(ii)
The warrant was properly delivered to an authorized law enforcement agency for execution and service, which was not effected;
(iii)
Each of the warrants was issued by a judicial officer of the District Court for:
(1)
The arrest of the defendant in order that the defendant might stand trial on a misdemeanor offense;
(2)
The failure of the defendant to appear for trial for a misdemeanor offense, as directed by the District Court;
(3)
The failure of the defendant to make a deferred payment of a fine or costs as ordered by the District Court for a misdemeanor offense; or
(4)
A violation of a probation order of the District Court entered in a misdemeanor offense; and
(iv)
The administrative judge believes that the invalidation and destruction of the arrest warrant is consistent with the ends of justice;
(8)
After consultation with police administrators and the Motor Vehicle Administrator, design arrest – citation forms that shall be used by all law enforcement agencies in the State when charging a person with a criminal, civil, or traffic offense, except for:
(i)
Violations by juveniles listed in § 3–8A–33(a) of this article;
(ii)
Violations of parking ordinances or regulations adopted under Title 26, Subtitle 3 of the Transportation Article; and
(iii)
Other violations as expressly provided by law;
(9)
Authorize the use of a single document for issuance of more than one, separately numbered, citation;
(10)
Specify appropriate means, such as a signature on a citation, electronic signature, or data encoded in a driver’s license or identity card issued by the Motor Vehicle Administration, to be used by:
(i)
The police officer issuing a citation to execute it by certifying under penalties of perjury that the facts stated in the citation are true; and
(ii)
The person to whom a citation is being issued to acknowledge its receipt;
(11)
Authorize a citation to include a summons to appear; and
(12)
Cause the District Court to print or otherwise make available uniform motor vehicle citation forms and any other uniform statewide citation forms for offenses triable in the District Court.
(e)
Notwithstanding any provision of the Transportation Article, a police officer may dispense with the acknowledgment of a person receiving a citation that contains a summons as provided in subsection (d)(11) of this section and regulations adopted by the police officer’s agency.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-606 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–606LinkCopy Citation
The State shall provide at a central location adequate and appropriate offices, furnishings, and office equipment for the Chief Judge, chief clerk, and their staffs.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-607 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–607LinkCopy Citation
The Chief Judge of the District Court, subject to the approval of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland, shall designate a District Court judge in each district as the administrative judge for that district. The administrative judge is responsible for the administration, operation, and maintenance of the District Court in that district and for the conduct of the District Court’s business. Subject to the approval of the Chief Judge of the District Court, the District Court of any district may be divided into civil, criminal, traffic, or other functional divisions if the work of the District Court requires.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-608 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–608LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The cost of maintenance, operation, and administration, and of providing necessary facilities, including capital costs, of the District Court shall be borne exclusively by the State, and, except as provided in Title 7 of this article, or otherwise expressly by law, all revenues derived from the operation and administration of the District Court shall enure to the general funds of the State.
(b)
The costs listed in subsection (a) of this section shall be included and itemized in the annual State budget or in the annual construction loan as submitted to the General Assembly by the Governor and subject to the power of the General Assembly with respect to budget appropriations.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-609 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 6. District Court
§ 1–609LinkCopy Citation
(a)
When and in the manner authorized by law, a District Court judge may issue:
(1)
Warrants of arrest; and
(2)
Warrants for search and seizure or for interception of communications.
(b)
A District Court judge may issue:
(1)
Writs of habeas corpus ad testificandum or ad prosequendum; and
(2)
Writs of error coram nobis.
Subtitle 7. Judicial Salaries and Allowances
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-701 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 7. Judicial Salaries and Allowances
§ 1–701LinkCopy Citation
A judge’s salary may not be diminished during his continuance in office.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-702 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 7. Judicial Salaries and Allowances
§ 1–702LinkCopy Citation
(a)
(1)
Subject to the provisions of § 1–701 of this subtitle, a justice or judge shall have the salary provided in the State budget.
(2)
The Chief Judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland and a judge who serves as an administrative judge for a circuit court or the District Court may receive an annual stipend in addition to the judge’s annual salary.
(b)
The Chief Judge of the District Court, during the period the individual serves as Chief Judge, shall have a salary equivalent to the annual salary then payable to an associate judge of the Appellate Court of Maryland.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-703 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 7. Judicial Salaries and Allowances
§ 1–703LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Title 8, Subtitle 1 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article applies to judicial salaries, except for the provisions of § 8-108(c) of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
(b)
(1)
Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, whenever a general salary increase is awarded to State employees, each judge shall receive the same percentage increase in salary as awarded to the lowest step of the highest salary grade for employees in the Standard Pay Plan.
(2)
In any year that a judge’s salary is increased in accordance with a resolution under § 1-708 of this subtitle, the judge may not receive a salary increase under paragraph (1) of this subsection.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-704 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 7. Judicial Salaries and Allowances
§ 1–704LinkCopy Citation
Any increase in judicial salary shall be included in the portion of the budget bill relating to the judiciary department. Any proposed increase in judicial salary is subject to legislative review and approval.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-705 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 7. Judicial Salaries and Allowances
§ 1–705LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this subtitle, “supplementation” means any payment from a political subdivision to a judge or the surviving spouse of a judge, by way of salary, allowances, or pension. The word includes, but is not limited to, any payment in the form of salary, bonus, pension, spouse’s benefit, or expense or travel allowance except: (1) reimbursable expenses actually incurred in connection with the duties of judicial office to the extent permitted by § 1-706; and (2) any pension supplementation expressly permitted by public general law. “Supplementation” excludes payment of benefits under a local group health or hospitalization plan if a judge is entitled to those benefits by law.
(b)
Supplementation of a judge’s salary is prohibited.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-706 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 7. Judicial Salaries and Allowances
§ 1–706LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A judge is entitled to mileage, at the rate for State employees, for officially authorized travel outside his county of residence on judicial business. He is also entitled to reimbursement for reasonable costs of meals, lodging, and other expenses actually incurred with the officially authorized travel in accordance with provisions of the State joint travel regulations provided that such reimbursement is approved by the judge authorizing the travel and provided for in the State budget.
(b)
Reimbursable expenses actually incurred by a circuit court judge in connection with his duties, other than the expenses described in subsection (a) of this section, shall be paid by the political subdivision in which the circuit court judge resides, as provided in that subdivision’s budget, and as first approved by the State Administrative Office of the Courts.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-707 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 7. Judicial Salaries and Allowances
§ 1–707LinkCopy Citation
A judge of the District Court who has continued in office as a judge of that Court pursuant to the provisions of Article IV, § 41-I(a) of the Maryland Constitution, and who on July 4, 1971 was a participant in a group health or group hospitalization plan provided by a local subdivision, and who within six months from July 5, 1971, elected to remain a member of that plan, may continue as a member of the plan. In this event, the local subdivision shall continue to make on behalf of the judge any contributions to the plan required by its terms or by law. The State shall periodically reimburse the local subdivision for contributions made pursuant to this section.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 1-708 (2026)
Title 1. Court Structure and Organization
Subtitle 7. Judicial Salaries and Allowances
§ 1–708LinkCopy Citation
(a)
The salaries and pensions of the justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland and the judges of the Appellate Court of Maryland, the circuit courts of the counties, and the District Court shall be established as provided by this section, §§ 1–701 through 1–707 of this subtitle, and Title 27 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.
(b)
(1)
There is a Judicial Compensation Commission. The Commission shall study and make recommendations with respect to all aspects of judicial compensation, to the end that the judicial compensation structure shall be adequate to assure that highly qualified persons will be attracted to the bench and will continue to serve there without unreasonable economic hardship.
(2)
The Commission consists of seven members appointed by the Governor. No more than three members of the Commission may be individuals admitted to practice law in this State. In nominating and appointing members, special consideration shall be given to individuals who have knowledge of compensation practices and financial matters. The Governor shall appoint:
(i)
Two members from a list of the names of at least five nominees submitted by the President of the Senate;
(ii)
Two from a list of the names of at least five nominees submitted by the Speaker of the House of Delegates;
(iii)
One from a list of the names of at least three nominees submitted by the Maryland State Bar Association, Inc.; and
(iv)
Two at large.
(3)
A member of the General Assembly, officer or employee of the State or a political subdivision of the State, or justice or judge or former justice or judge is not eligible for appointment to the Commission.
(4)
The term of a member is 6 years, commencing July 1, 1980, and until the member’s successor is appointed. However, of the members first appointed to the Commission, the Governor shall designate one of the members nominated by the President of the Senate to serve for 3 years and one for 6 years; one of the members nominated by the Speaker to serve for 4 years and one for 5 years; the member nominated by the Maryland State Bar Association, Inc., to serve for 3 years; and one of the members at large to serve for 2 years, and one for 6 years. A member is eligible for reappointment.
(5)
Members of the Commission serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in carrying out their responsibilities under this section.
(6)
The members of the Commission shall elect a member as chairman of the Commission.
(7)
The concurrence of at least five members is required for any formal Commission action.
(8)
The Commission may request and receive assistance and information from any unit of State government.
(c)
On or after September 1, 2011, September 1, 2013, and every 4 years thereafter, the Commission shall review the salaries and pensions of the justices and judges of the courts listed in subsection (a) of this section and make written recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly on or before the next ensuing regular session of the General Assembly. The Governor shall include in the budget for the next ensuing fiscal year the funding necessary to implement those recommendations, contingent on action by the General Assembly under subsections (d) and (e) of this section.
(d)
(1)
The salary recommendations made by the Commission shall be introduced as a joint resolution in each House of the General Assembly not later than the fifteenth day of the session. The General Assembly may amend the joint resolution to decrease any of the Commission salary recommendations, but no reduction may diminish the salary of a justice or judge during his continuance in office. The General Assembly may not amend the joint resolution to increase the recommended salaries. If the General Assembly fails to adopt or amend the joint resolution within 50 days after its introduction, the salaries recommended by the Commission shall apply. If the joint resolution is adopted or amended in accordance with this section within 50 days after its introduction, the salaries so provided shall apply. If the General Assembly rejects any or all of the Commission’s salary recommendations, the salaries of the justices and judges affected remain unchanged, unless modified under other provisions of law.
(2)
The Governor or the General Assembly may not increase the recommended salaries, except as provided under § 1–703(b) of this subtitle.
(e)
The recommendation of the Commission as to pensions shall be introduced by the presiding officers of the Senate and the House of Delegates in the form of legislation, and shall become effective only if passed by both Houses.
(f)
Any change in salaries or pensions adopted by the General Assembly under this section takes effect as of the July 1 of the year next following the year in which the Commission makes its recommendations.
(g)
This section does not affect § 1–702(b), § 1–703(b), or §§ 1–705 through 1–707 of this subtitle, or Title 27 of the State Personnel and Pensions Article.