Maryland § 10-704

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 10-704, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 10-704.

    (a)    A foreign judgment is not conclusive if:

        (1)    The judgment was rendered under a system which does not provide impartial tribunals or procedures compatible with the requirements of due process of law;

        (2)    The foreign court did not have personal jurisdiction over the defendant;

        (3)    The foreign court did not have jurisdiction over the subject matter; or

        (4)    The judgment was obtained by fraud.

    (b)    A foreign judgment need not be recognized if:

        (1)    The defendant in the proceedings in the foreign court did not receive notice of the proceedings in sufficient time to enable him to defend;

        (2)    The cause of action on which the judgment is based is repugnant to the public policy of the State;

        (3)    The judgment conflicts with another final and conclusive judgment;

        (4)    The proceeding in the foreign court was contrary to an agreement between the parties under which the dispute was to be settled out of court; or

        (5)    In the case of jurisdiction based only on personal service, the foreign court was a seriously inconvenient forum for the trial of the action.

    (c)    (1)    In this subsection, “defamation” includes invasion of privacy by false facts.

        (2)    A foreign judgment against any person who is a resident of this State or who has assets in this State may not be recognized if:

            (i)    The cause of action resulted in a defamation judgment obtained in a jurisdiction outside the United States, unless the court before which the matter is brought in this State first determines that the defamation law as applied in the foreign jurisdiction provides for at least as much protection for freedom of speech and the press as is provided by both the United States Constitution and the Maryland Constitution; or

            (ii)    The cause of action resulted in a defamation judgment entered against the provider of an interactive computer service, as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 230, unless the court before which the matter is brought in this State determines that the judgment is consistent with 47 U.S.C. § 230.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 10-704

What does Maryland Code § 10-704 cover?

Section 10-704 is part of the Maryland Code, the codified statutory law of Maryland. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Maryland § 10-704?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 10-704" (Maryland). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Maryland law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Maryland official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Maryland attorney.

How does Maryland § 10-704 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Maryland can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Maryland.