Rule 16-304. Chambers Judge

(a) Designation.

(1) County With More than Four Judges. In a county with more than four resident circuit court judges, the County Administrative Judge shall (A) from time to time designate one or more of the resident judges to sit as chambers judge, and (B) ensure that whenever the courthouse is open, a chambers judge is on duty in the courthouse to handle motions and emergency or other matters.

(2) Other Counties. In any other county, the County Administrative Judge may from time to time designate one or more judges sitting in the court to sit as chambers judge.

(b) Duties. Subject to section (c) of this Rule or unless a different procedure is prescribed by the County Administrative Judge, a chambers judge shall have primary responsibility for:

(1) the prompt disposition of motions and other preliminary matters that may be disposed of without a hearing;

(2) consideration of and, when appropriate, signing show cause orders;

(3) the conduct of pre-trial conferences and control of the pre-trial calendar, if one has been established; and

(4) consideration of and, when appropriate, signing orders and judgments in uncontested or ex parte cases, and the disposition of motions for continuances or postponements in civil actions.

Cross reference: For postponement of criminal actions, see Rule 16-105 (d).

(c) Exceptions. Section (b) of this Rule does not apply to (1) motions or other matters that are to be resolved by another judge pursuant to a scheduling order or (2) other orders entered in an action or motions made or filed during the course of a trial or on the day an action is scheduled for trial.