Question:
What are the laws about Jury Duty Leave in Maryland?
Answer:
Under Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 8‑501 & Maryland Code, Courts & Judicial Proceedings § 8‑502
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An employer may not fire, threaten, coerce or intimidate an employee because the employee:
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Lost work time responding to a jury summons or attending/proximity to court for jury service.
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Exercised their right (in certain circumstances) not to work when summoned.
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An employer may not require an employee to use their annual, sick, or vacation leave for jury service.
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If an employee is summoned and appears for jury service for 4 or more hours (including travel time), the employer may not require that employee to work:
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A shift that begins on or after 5:00 p.m. on the day of appearance; or
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A shift that begins before 3:00 a.m. the day after the appearance.
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Penalties: The employer who violates these protections may be fined up to $1,000.
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The protections also include the employee’s right to return to work after jury service — job cannot be lost simply due to fulfilling civic duty.
I hope this helps.
Lisa Smith, SPHR, SCP
Note: This blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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