TOWSON, Md. – Baltimore County is the 21st jurisdiction, and the largest to date, to implement the Maryland Electronic Courts (MDEC) case management system, which modernizes court processes and makes case filing more convenient for litigants. With the start of MDEC in Baltimore County on Tuesday, electronic filing is now mandatory for attorneys representing clients in civil and criminal cases in district court, circuit court, and any appellate filings that start in the county. Electronic filing remains optional for self-represented litigants.

“Baltimore County courts have much to be proud of,” said Maryland Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera. “I commend the judges and staff who have been preparing for months behind the scenes to provide improved services for the public. Thanks to their efforts, the transition to the new system has been seamless. They have made a giant technological leap on behalf of the people of Baltimore County and Maryland.”

With this week’s launch in Baltimore County, more than 87 percent of Maryland’s jurisdictions are now operating under MDEC. The Judiciary is on track to reach its goal to bring MDEC to every state court in Maryland by 2021.

“It has taken coordination and intensive effort to launch the new system while maintaining full daily operations,” said District Court of Maryland Chief Judge John P. Morrissey. “Administrative and associate judges, court leadership, and staff members have been dedicated to this effort, which has included in-depth training and updating court facilities.”

The Judiciary’s automated system allows attorneys to transition from a paper-based process to a technology-based electronic filing system.

“This is the start of an exciting new era,” said Circuit Administrative Judge Kathleen Gallogly Cox. “By taking advantage of expanding technology, we are making the process easier and more responsive. Most importantly, the public will benefit by having a court system with up-to-date technology and improved access.”

Maryland attorneys have been filing electronically, or “e-filing,” since October 2014, when MDEC launched as a pilot in Anne Arundel County.

“Baltimore County is proud and excited to join other Maryland courts in launching MDEC,” said District Administrative Judge Dorothy J. Wilson. “The efficiencies that electronic filing will offer to the public, the bar, and our justice partners are exciting.”

As of Feb. 19, MDEC is operational in Allegany, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Calvert, Caroline, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, St. Mary’s, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties. Montgomery County courts will launch MDEC in November 2019.

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