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Information and Jurisdiction

There is a Circuit Court in each county and Baltimore City. The Circuit Courts of Maryland are divided into eight individual geographical Circuits. The Sixth Judicial Circuit is comprised of Montgomery and Frederick Counties. The Circuit Court for Montgomery County is located at 50 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, Maryland 20850. The Circuit Court for Montgomery County has 21 judges who are appointed by the Governor and then must stand for election. Judge DeLawrence Beard is the Chief Judge for the Circuit Court. The duties of the Chief Judge fall under Rule 16-101 of the Maryland Rules of Procedure. Judge Ann S. Harrington is the Circuit and County Administrative Judge of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. The duties of the Circuit and County Administrative Judge fall under Rule 16-101 of the Maryland Rules of Procedure. Judge Harrington is responsible for the administration of justice and the administration of the court and the Sixth Judicial Circuit.

The Circuit Court is a trial court of general jurisdiction. Its jurisdiction is very broad but generally covers major civil cases and more serious criminal matters. The Circuit Court also may decide appeals from the District Court and certain administrative agencies. If a person is entitled to or elects a trial by jury, the Circuit Court is the only court to do so in Montgomery County.

Circuit Court