Section 4-201 – Extent of Jurisdiction
The jurisdiction of the District Court extends to every case which arises within the State or is subject to the State’s judicial power, and which is within the limitations imposed by this title or elsewhere by law. Exercise of this jurisdiction is subject to the restrictions of venue established by law.
Section 4-202 – Authority Provided in Criminal Procedure Article and Health – General Article
(a) A District Court has the authority provided under Title 3 of the Criminal Procedure Article. (b) A District Court has the following authority provided in the Health – General Article: (1) Under Title 8 of that article, the authority to commit an individual for detoxification or for observation, evaluation, or treatment of alcoholism; (2) Under Title 8 of […]
Section 4-301 – Exclusive Original Jurisdiction
(a) Except as provided in §§ 3–803 and 3–8A–03 of this article and 4–302 of this subtitle, the District Court has exclusive original jurisdiction in a criminal case in which a person at least 16 years old or a corporation is charged with violation of the vehicle laws, or the State Boat Act, or regulations adopted […]
Section 4-302 – Exceptions
(a) Except as provided in § 4–301(b)(2), (6), (7), (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), (13), (14), (15), (16), (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (22), (23), (24), and (25) of this subtitle, the District Court does not have jurisdiction to try a criminal case charging the commission of a felony. (b) Except as provided in § 4-303 of […]
Section 4-303 – Jurisdiction Over Persons Triable in Juvenile Court Despite Age Limit Contained in 4-301
The District Court has jurisdiction over a person who is brought before a court sitting as a juvenile court if: (1) The juvenile court waives jurisdiction or the person elects to be tried according to the regular criminal procedure; and (2) The offense charged is within the jurisdiction conferred by § 4-301 of this subtitle.
Section 4-304 – Preliminary Hearings
The District Court has jurisdiction to conduct a preliminary hearing in a felony case to determine if the defendant should be held for action of the grand jury or if charged by information, for trial in the appropriate court.
Section 4-401 – Exclusive Original Jurisdiction
Except as provided in § 4–402 of this subtitle, and subject to the venue provisions of Title 6 of this article, the District Court has exclusive original civil jurisdiction in: (1) An action in contract or tort, if the debt or damages claimed do not exceed $30,000, exclusive of prejudgment or postjudgment interest, costs, and attorney’s […]
Section 4-402 – Exceptions
(a) Except as provided in §§ 4–401 and 4–404 of this subtitle, the District Court does not have equity jurisdiction. (b) Except as provided in § 4–401 of this subtitle, the District Court does not have jurisdiction to decide the ownership of real property or of an interest in real property. (c) The District Court does not have […]
Section 4-404 – Proceedings Under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of the Family Law Article
The District Court has concurrent jurisdiction with the circuit court over proceedings under Title 4, Subtitle 5 of the Family Law Article and has the powers of a court in equity in those proceedings.
Section 4-405 – Small Claim Action
The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction over a small claim action, which, for purposes of this section, means a civil action for money in which the amount claimed does not exceed $5,000 exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney’s fees, if attorney’s fees are recoverable by law or contract; and landlord tenant action under §§ 8-401 […]