Learn About The Law
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, a person or governmental unit that wishes to inspect a public record shall submit a written application to the custodian.
(b) A person or governmental unit need not submit a written application to the custodian if:
(1) the person or governmental unit seeks to inspect a public record listed by an official custodian in accordance with § 4-201(c)(2) of this subtitle; or
(2) the custodian waives the requirement for a written application.
(c) If the individual to whom the application is submitted is not the custodian of the public record, within 10 working days after receiving the application, the individual shall give the applicant:
(1) notice of that fact; and
(2) if known:
(i) the name of the custodian; and
(ii) the location or possible location of the public record.
(d) When an applicant requests to inspect a public record and a custodian determines that the record does not exist, the custodian shall notify the applicant of this determination:
(1) if the custodian has reached this determination on initial review of the application, immediately; or
(2) if the custodian has reached this determination after a search for potentially responsive public records, promptly after the search is completed but not more than 30 days after receiving the application.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, General Provisions § 4-202 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/general-provisions/md-code-gen-provis-sect-4-202/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.
Get help with your legal needs
FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.
Search our directory by legal issue
Enter information in one or both fields (Required)