Md. R. Jud. & Judi. Appts. 18-203.5

As amended through October 15, 2024

Rule 18-203.5 - Use of Nonpublic Information

A judicial appointee shall not intentionally disclose or use nonpublic information acquired in an official capacity for any purpose unrelated to the judicial appointee's official duties. Nonpublic information means information that is not available to the public. It may include information that is (a) sealed or shielded pursuant to the Maryland Rules, other law, or court order, (b) impounded, (c) communicated in camera, or (d) offered in grand jury proceedings, pre-sentencing reports, dependency cases, or psychiatric reports.

This Rule is derived from former Rule 3.5 of Rule 16-814(2016).

Adopted June 6, 2016, eff. 7/1/2016; amended March 1, 2024, eff. 7/1/2024.

COMMENT

[1] In the course of performing official duties, a judicial appointee may acquire information of commercial or other value that is unavailable to the public. The judicial appointee must not reveal or use such information for personal gain or for any purpose unrelated to the judicial appointee's official duties.

[2] This Rule is not intended, however, to affect a judicial appointee's ability to act on information as necessary to protect the health or safety of the judicial appointee or a member of a judicial appointee's family, court personnel, or other judicial officers.