# Md. Rule 16-304: Rule 16-304. Chambers Judge

> Maryland · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_304

## Section

- **Citation:** Md. Rule 16-304
- **Heading:** Rule 16-304. Chambers Judge
- **Jurisdiction:** Maryland
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Maryland Rules / Title 16 Court Administration / Chapter 300 Circuit Courts—Administration and Case Management / Md. Rule 16-304

## Text

(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.

## Nearby sections

- [Md. Rule 16-301 Rule 16-301. Term of Court and Grand Jury](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_301.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-302 Rule 16-302. Assignment of Actions for Trials; Case Management Plan; Case Management Special Magistrate](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_302.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-303 Rule 16-303. Motion Day](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_303.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-304 Rule 16-304. Chambers Judge](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_304.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-305 Rule 16-305. Trust Clerk](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_305.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-306 Rule 16-306. Special Inactive Pretrial Docket for Asbestos Actions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_306.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-306.1 Rule 16-306.1. Special Inactive Bankruptcy Docket for Asbestos Actions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_306_1.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-307 Rule 16-307. Family Division and Support Services](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_307.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-308 Rule 16-308. Business and Technology Case Management Program](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_308.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-309 Rule 16-309. Remote Electronic Participation in Jury Cases](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_309.md)
- [Md. Rule 16-310 Rule 16-310. Pilot Program for Expanded Voir Dire](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_310.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_MD_T16_R16_304. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.