Overview

• The Maryland Judiciary is funded by both the state and the counties.  Its budget was increased from $423.1 million in FY11 to $428.7 million in FY12.  It will maintain the same number of judges and increase the number of staff.  It will reduce the amount spent on operating expenses.
• To reduce spending, the courts have delayed filling vacancies in the clerks’ offices and in judicial support positions.  Maryland has stopped providing any salary merit increases and will not be adjusting salaries by increases in the cost of living.  It will no longer be matching payments to deferred compensation.
• In FY12, the Judiciary will suspend furloughs and accompanying salary reductions that have been in effect for the past two years.
• The Maryland courts have implemented e-citations and the videoconferencing of hearings.  The introduction of electronic citations has expedited the payment of fines and increased the appearance rate of officers. The introduction of video conferencing with respect to juvenile court status hearings and inmate grievance hearings has increased security, reduced transportation costs, and has reduced the frequency of postponements. 

Reports and Articles

Gavel to Gavel

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