Terms Used In Maryland Code, FAMILY LAW 10-213

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • 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
  • state: means :

    (1) a state, possession, territory, or commonwealth of the United States; or

    (2) the District of Columbia. See
  • Summons: Another word for subpoena used by the criminal justice system.
  • Testify: Answer questions in court.
(a) On receipt of a complaint or on personal knowledge or information that an individual has violated § 10-201 or § 10-203 of this subtitle, the State‘s Attorney, a deputy State’s Attorney, or an assistant State’s Attorney may hold a pretrial inquiry.

(b) In connection with any pretrial inquiry under this section:

(1) the State’s Attorney may issue a summons that requires a person other than the accused individual to appear, to testify, and to produce documents connected to the inquiry; and

(2) the State’s Attorney, a deputy State’s Attorney, or an assistant State’s Attorney may:

(i) administer oaths;

(ii) examine witnesses; and

(iii) receive evidence.

(c) (1) If a person fails to obey a summons, or fails to testify or comply with a request of the State’s Attorney, a deputy State’s Attorney, or an assistant State’s Attorney, the State’s Attorney may request the circuit court to order the person:

(i) to obey the summons;

(ii) to testify; or

(iii) to produce any document that the court considers necessary for the inquiry.

(2) If a person fails or refuses to obey the order of court after the order has been served, the person is in contempt of court and the court may punish the person for the contempt.

(3) A finding of contempt under this subsection is subject to appeal.