Updates from the Maryland Judiciary during the COVID-19 limitations

In the last week, the Maryland Judiciary has issue new updates about virtual filings and how it will be operating in the foreseeable future. The Circuit Court for Montgomery County has created a Drop Box to allow for electronic filing for very particular and limited purposes. The Court will allow electronic filing, in Civil Track 3 cases, for the following pleadings: motions upon failure to provide discovery pursuant to Rule 2-432; motions for discovery protective orders pursuant to Rule 2-403; and motions to quash deposition subpoenas pursuant to Rule 2-510(f), together with all supporting memoranda and exhibits, and all responsive memoranda and exhibits, (collectively “discovery motions”).

  • Additional Orders and Updates from Local Courts, Including Virtual Filings in Montgomery County

Several courts issued additional Administrative Orders and Notices this week, extending their emergency operations and filing procedures.

  • Montgomery County Circuit Court issued an Administrative Order today regarding electronic filing. The Court has established a Virtual Drop Box for electronic filing for limited purposes, only in Civil Track 3 cases and only for motions upon failure to provide discovery pursuant to Rule 2-432; motions for discovery protective orders pursuant to Rule 2-403; and motions to quash deposition subpoenas pursuant to Rule 2-510(f), together with all supporting memoranda and exhibits, all responsive memoranda and exhibits, (collectively “discovery motions”), and no other pleadings or motions of any type or any other Civil Track will be considered. Individuals may still file by regular mail or physically depositing filings at the drop box on Maryland Avenue. Please click below to view the Order and mandatory guidelines for virtual filing.

https://montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/Administrative_Order_Regarding_Electronic_Filing_04102020.pdf

https://montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/discovery_dispute_procedures_for_litigants_04102020.pdf

On April 7, Montgomery County Circuit Court also posted a Circuit Court update in response to the April 3 Administrative Order from the Court of Appeals. Judge Greenberg identifies cases that will still be heard, indicates that the Circuit Court is operating at approximately 10% of its employees, and asks individuals to postpone paper filings if possible as some statutes of limitations have been suspended.

https://montgomerycountymd.gov/cct/Resources/Files/COVID-19-Notices/New_Orders_From_the_Court_of_Appeals_04072020.pdf

  • Judiciary Discontinues Use of Zoom; Impact on Court of Special Appeals Arguments

As of April 9, 2020, the Judiciary has discontinued the use of Zoom. The Court of Special Appeals is exploring alternative meeting platforms to conduct oral arguments. Oral arguments for April 10, 2020 have been postponed – the Clerk will coordinate with counsel regarding next steps. Oral arguments scheduled for April 13 and 14, 2020 (originally scheduled on April 1, 2 and 3, 2020) currently remain as scheduled, but counsel should check back frequently for updates. When an alternative platform for holding remote oral arguments has been determined, the Clerk will send counsel detailed instructions on how arguments will be conducted. Public access to arguments held remotely will be provided by posting a recording of the argument on the Court’s webpage.