Maryland Code, STATE GOVERNMENT 20-1021
Terms Used In Maryland Code, STATE GOVERNMENT 20-1021
- Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
- Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
- Oath: A promise to tell the truth.
- Person: includes an individual, receiver, trustee, guardian, personal representative, fiduciary, representative of any kind, corporation, partnership, business trust, statutory trust, limited liability company, firm, association, or other nongovernmental entity. See
(2) The complaint shall be filed within 1 year after the alleged discriminatory housing practice occurred or terminated.
(b) The Commission may:
(1) file a complaint on the Commission’s own initiative; and
(2) investigate housing practices to determine whether a complaint should be filed under this section.
(c) A complaint shall:
(1) be in writing;
(2) be in the form that the Commission requires; and
(3) contain the information that the Commission requires.
(d) After a complaint is filed, the Commission shall serve notice on the aggrieved person acknowledging the filing and advising the aggrieved person of the time limits and choice of forums provided under this part.
(e) Within 10 days after a complaint is filed or an additional respondent is identified under § 20-1022(b) of this subtitle, the Commission shall serve on the respondent:
(1) a copy of the original complaint; and
(2) a notice identifying the alleged discriminatory housing practice and advising the respondent of the procedural rights and obligations of respondents under this part.
(f) (1) Each respondent may file an answer to the complaint.
(2) The answer shall be filed within 10 days after receipt of the copy of the complaint and notice from the Commission under subsection (e) of this section.
(g) Complaints and answers:
(1) shall be under oath; and
(2) may be reasonably amended at any time.