Maryland § 2-603

Full text of Maryland Maryland Code § 2-603, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 2-603.

    (a)    Subject to the direction of the Chief Judge of the District Court, the chief clerk of the District Court is responsible for the administration and day-to-day clerical operation of the District Court and its several divisions and locations. He shall perform the other duties prescribed by rule or law. He may delegate administrative duties to other clerical or administrative personnel of the District Court in a manner consistent with rule or law.

    (b)    The chief administrative clerk in each district is responsible to the chief clerk of the District Court and the administrative judge of the district for the maintenance and operation of the clerical staff and work within the district, including dockets, records, and all necessary papers.

    (c)    (1)    When requested to do so, a clerk of the District Court shall advise and assist, as to procedural matters only, a person in the preparation of a statement of claim or other papers required to be filed in a civil action in which the amount in controversy does not exceed $2,500.

        (2)    A clerk of the District Court is not liable to any person with respect to any advice or assistance in the preparation of any statement of claim.

    (d)    (1)    This subsection applies to:

            (i)    A dismissal or nolle prosequi of a charge entered on the record in the District Court; and

            (ii)    An indefinite postponement in the District Court of a trial of a charge by marking the charge “stet” on the docket.

        (2)    Notwithstanding any other provision of law, if a dismissal or nolle prosequi of a charge is entered or a charge is stetted, a clerk of the court:

            (i)    Subject to item (ii) of this paragraph, shall mail notice of the dismissal, nolle prosequi, or stet, as the case may be, to the defendant and the defendant’s attorney of record if both the defendant and the defendant’s attorney of record are not present in court when the dismissal or nolle prosequi of the charge is entered or the charge is stetted;

            (ii)    May not mail a notice described in this subsection to the defendant if the defendant’s whereabouts are unknown; and

            (iii)    May not mail a notice described in this subsection to the defendant or the defendant’s attorney of record if either is present in court when the dismissal or nolle prosequi of the charge is entered or the charge is stetted.

Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland § 2-603

What does Maryland Code § 2-603 cover?

Section 2-603 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 § 2-603?

A common citation format is "Maryland Code § 2-603" (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 § 2-603 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.