The Circuit Court for Baltimore County is the trial court of general jurisdiction. The court has full common law and equity powers in all civil, juvenile and criminal cases, along with additional powers and jurisdiction conferred by the Constitution and Maryland State law. It is the only court in the county having the authority to conduct jury trials. The court hears major civil cases, serious criminal matters including death penalty cases, juvenile and family law cases. In fiscal year 2006, the court reported 30,236 total filings consisting of 9,184 domestic cases, 8,534 Civil Suits, 4,244 juvenile matters and 8,274 criminal filings.

The court is physically located in the County Courts Building, 401 Bosley Avenue in Towson, Maryland. This is sometimes referred to as the "New Courthouse". It is staffed by seventeen (17) full-time judges who are experienced attorneys, appointed by the Governor and who serve for a term of fifteen (15) years after a competitive election. The court is assisted by four (4) full-time and two (2) part-time masters. Masters hear juvenile and family law matters, such as, establishment of temporary child or spousal support and hearing contempt cases involving nonpayment of child support . Four (4) former retired judges (Settlement Court) are also utilized on a part-time basis to help the court resolve other matters on a pre-trial basis pertaining to contested divorces, personal injuries, malpractice, workers compensation claims, automobile torts and a variety of other actions. Totally, the court employs 97 employees to provide a wide range of duties and services both to the court and the citizens of Baltimore County.

For additional information or comments, contact: circuitcourt@baltimorecountymd.gov

Revised March 17, 2008