MD Courts Close To Public, Stay Open For Emergencies

MARYLAND — Maryland courts will be closed to the public for three weeks, as part of the state's effort to promote social distancing to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus. The courts will remain open for emergency matters such as domestic violence petitions, bail review hearings and search warrants, among others.

The closure begins Monday, March 16, according to the order, which indicates courts would reopen Monday, April 6.

All cases that were to be heard from March 16 to April 3 will be postponed until further notice from the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals.

"We will continue to provide access to justice while balancing that mission with the health and safety needs of Marylanders and Judiciary personnel during this emergency," Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera said in a statement.

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"Due to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus ... an emergency exists that poses a threat of imminent and potentially lethal harm to individuals who come into contact with a court or judicial facility and personnel," Barbera stated in an Administrative Order Friday, March 13.

Courts will be staffed to handle emergency matters including but not limited to domestic violence petitions, bail reviews, juvenile detention hearings and search warrants, according to Maryland judicial officials.

Below is the order outlining the statewide closure of the courts in Maryland.

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