Terms Used In Maryland Code, LOCAL GOVERNMENT 9-514

  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Injunction: An order of the court prohibiting (or compelling) the performance of a specific act to prevent irreparable damage or injury.
  • 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
  • Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
(a) (1) A person denied a right conferred by this subtitle may file a complaint for mandamus, injunction, or other appropriate remedy in circuit court.

(2) A plaintiff need not allege or prove an irreparable injury or an injury different from the public at large.

(b) A complaint under this section shall be filed within 1 year after the date of the alleged violation.

(c) The court shall conduct a hearing within 7 days after a complaint is filed.

(d) A violation of this subtitle is deemed an injury to the public at large.

(e) (1) The court shall issue an order that:

(i) grants or denies all or part of the relief sought;

(ii) awards appropriate attorney’s fees or costs; and

(iii) determines the effect of the action alleged to be in violation of this subtitle.

(2) The court may void an action taken at a public agency meeting in violation of this subtitle.