The videos were developed by the Maryland Access to Justice Commission, which works to improve and expand all people’s access to the state’s civil justice system.

“More and more often, people are representing themselves in court cases, particularly in civil cases where there is, generally, no constitutional right to legal representation,” said retired Court of Appeals Judge Irma S. Raker, who chairs the commission. “By helping people learn more about how courts and court cases work, including how to serve court papers, how to get ready for a court appearance, and how to find legal help, we are helping our judicial system work better for every Marylander.”

The Maryland Access to Justice Commission is a coalition of representatives from Maryland courts, executive branch agencies, legislators, attorneys, social services and faith groups, and legal service providers, which recommends changes to improve the ability of all Marylanders to use the courts effectively and to obtain legal help when they need it. It primarily focuses on expanding access to the state’s civil justice system, which includes landlord-tenant cases, divorce, child custody issues, small claims and debt collection, domestic violence, and other non-criminal matters.

“Courts can be confusing and daunting to people who are not familiar with how they operate,” said Maryland District Court Chief Judge Ben C. Clyburn, who co-chairs the commission. “The videos offer concise, step-by-step guidelines and instructions. Videos are a wonderful option to learn information at your own pace, and can be viewed often, from almost anywhere, and at any time, night or day.”

A list of the videos is available on the Judiciary’s website: https://www.courts.state.md.us/reference/videolibrary.

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