Through the generosity of the Maryland Bar Foundation and a partnership with Society of Professional Journalists, MDDC Press Foundation, and the MDCD Broadcasters Association, the third edition of the Maryland Judiciary’s Journalist’s Guide to Maryland’s Legal System will be printed and distributed to journalists working in print, online, tv and radio throughout the state. The Guide was thoroughly updated, rewritten and reorganized under the direction of the Maryland Judicial Council’s Court Access and Community Relations Committee and its Community Relations Subcommittee, drawing on the help and expertise of many attorneys and journalists in the community.
The Journalist’s Guide, currently only published online here includes information on obtaining court records through Case Search, at the courthouse, or through the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) case management system; a review of journalists’ rights; guidelines for coverage to avoid legal problems; an overview of the Maryland Shield Law; a guide to the various components of Maryland’s state judicial system and justice partners; and explanations of the criminal and court processes.
Each organizational member of the MDDC Press Association and MDCD Broadcasters will receive a complimentary printed copy of the Guide.
Copies may be purchased by anyone at the cost of $5.00 per copy. Please fill out the following information to order additional copies.