Structure of Civil Courts

District Courts

•  small claims courts
• various locations in each county and Baltimore City (Baltimore City has same independent status as a county)
• number of judges depends on the population of the county (City) and average number of cases
•  limited discovery – one set of 15 interrogatories (3 of which may request documents) – no depositions
•  judge trials – no juries

Circuit Courts

• basic trial courts in MD
•  one location in each county and Baltimore City
•  number of judges depends on the population of the county (City) and average number of cases

Court of Special Appeals

•  intermediate appellate court
•  15 judges – sit in panels of 3

Court of Appeals

•  MD’s highest appellate court
•  7 judges – sit en banc

Basis of Jurisdiction

District Courts – exclusive jurisdiction up to $30,000

Circuit Courts – exclusive jurisdiction above $30,000

Court of Special Appeals – appeal from Circuit Court as a matter of right

Court of Appeals – appeal only by petition for certiorari

Commercial Courts

•  Circuit Courts have a Business and Technology Program
•  request case be assigned to the Program at time of filing
•  granting request depends on review by clerk
•  Circuit Court has certain judges with specific business and/or technology experience to whom cases will be assigned

Mediation

•  suggested in some, but mandated in other, Circuit Courts
•  all Circuit Courts mandate a pre-trial/settlement conference before trial
•  list of mediators with specific business and/or technology experience to mediate cases in the Business and Technology Program