The United States Constitution guarantees the right to a trial by jury in criminal prosecutions. In civil lawsuits (disputes over money, property, and other non-criminal matters), state constitutions provide for the right to trial by jury—but this right may be limited to certain types of claims. And in order to be entitled to a trial by jury in a civil matter, a party generally must file a written request for a jury trial and pay a jury fee a reasonable time before trial.
In Maryland, the right to a trial by jury in civil cases is protected under both the United States Constitution and the Maryland Declaration of Rights. For civil lawsuits, such as disputes over money, property, and other non-criminal matters, a party may be entitled to a jury trial depending on the type of claim and the amount in controversy. Maryland courts generally require that a party seeking a jury trial must file a written request, known as a 'demand for jury trial,' within a specified time frame before the trial date. Additionally, the party may be required to pay a jury fee. The specific rules and procedures for requesting a jury trial in civil matters are outlined in the Maryland Rules of Procedure. It's important to note that not all civil claims are eligible for a jury trial, and there may be limitations based on the particular jurisdiction and the nature of the dispute.