Title 8. Juries and Jurors — Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-101 (2026)
Title 8. Juries and Jurors
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 8–101LinkCopy Citation
(a)
In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.
(a–1)
“Active duty” has the meaning stated in § 9–901 of the State Government Article.
(b)
“Breast–feeding mother” means a mother who is feeding her child breast milk, either directly from her breast or by expressing and bottle–feeding the child.
(c)
(1)
“Jury commissioner” means an individual who is designated under a jury plan to manage jury selection and service.
(2)
“Jury commissioner” includes an acting jury commissioner who is designated in accordance with a jury plan.
(d)
“Jury plan” means a plan that the circuit court for a county adopts under this title to govern jury selection and service for the county.
(e)
“Prospective juror” means an individual whose name is selected from a source pool but who has not yet been screened for disqualification, excusal, or exemption.
(f)
“Qualified juror” means an individual who, after selection as a prospective juror, is not disqualified, excused, or exempted.
(g)
“Source pool” means a pool from which the name of each prospective juror is to be selected as provided under a jury plan.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-102 (2026)
Title 8. Juries and Jurors
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 8–102LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Each adult citizen of this State has:
(1)
The opportunity for jury service; and
(2)
When summoned for jury service, the duty to serve.
(b)
A citizen may not be excluded from jury service due to color, disability, economic status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
(c)
Recommendations, if any, for jury service may not be accepted.
(d)
Volunteers for jury service shall be refused.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-103 (2026)
Title 8. Juries and Jurors
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 8–103LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Notwithstanding § 8–102 of this subtitle, an individual qualifies for jury service for a county only if the individual:
(1)
Is an adult as of the day selected as a prospective juror;
(2)
Is a citizen of the United States; and
(3)
Resides in the county as of the day sworn as a juror.
(b)
Notwithstanding subsection (a) of this section and subject to the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, an individual is not qualified for jury service if the individual:
(1)
Cannot comprehend spoken English or speak English;
(2)
Cannot comprehend written English, read English, or write English proficiently enough to complete a juror qualification form satisfactorily;
(3)
Has a disability that, as documented by a health care provider’s certification, prevents the individual from providing satisfactory jury service;
(4)
Has been convicted, in a federal or State court of record, of:
(i)
A crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding 1 year and is currently serving the sentence imposed for the conviction, including a term of parole or probation; or
(ii)
A crime involving or relating to:
(1)
Perjury;
(2)
Witness intimidation;
(3)
Jury intimidation; or
(4)
A crime under Title 8 of the Criminal Law Article; or
(5)
Has a charge pending, in a federal or State court of record, for a crime punishable by imprisonment exceeding 1 year.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-104 (2026)
Title 8. Juries and Jurors
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 8–104LinkCopy Citation
Each jury for a county shall be selected at random from a fair cross section of the adult citizens of this State who reside in the county.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-105 (2026)
Title 8. Juries and Jurors
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 8–105LinkCopy Citation
(a)
A custodian, as defined in § 4–101(d) of the General Provisions Article, may allow access to information about prospective, qualified, and sworn jurors only in accordance with rules that the Supreme Court of Maryland adopts.
(b)
The rules shall provide for access to, and copying of, information needed for a challenge under § 8–408 or § 8–409 of this title.
(c)
The rules shall provide for disclosure of information to the State Board of Elections as to individuals who have died, have moved, or are not citizens of the United States.
(d)
The rules shall provide for disclosure of information to the State Motor Vehicle Administration as needed to correct data that the Administration provides.
Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 8-106 (2026)
Title 8. Juries and Jurors
Subtitle 1. Definitions; General Provisions
§ 8–106LinkCopy Citation
(a)
Nothing in this title restricts the inherent authority of a trial judge with regard to jurors.
(b)
Except as to a constitutional question, nothing in this title constitutes a ground for postconviction relief under Title 7 of the Criminal Procedure Article.
(c)
Nothing in this title bars a circuit court from using a single procedure for qualification and summonsing as its jury plan authorizes.