What are the 2 main courts in Maryland ?

In Maryland, the district court is a court of limited jurisdiction that handles small claims, traffic violations, misdemeanors, and other civil and criminal cases. The district court also conducts preliminary hearings in felony cases.

The circuit court is a court of general jurisdiction that handles more serious criminal cases, civil cases involving larger sums of money, and appeals from the district court. The circuit court also has jurisdiction over juvenile cases and domestic relations matters such as divorce and child custody.

In summary, the district court is the lower court in Maryland's judicial system, while the circuit court is the higher court.

All criminal cases originate in the District Court. The less serious cases such as misdemeanors, traffic cases etc. stay in the District Court until conclusion. The more serious cases are indicted up to the Circuit Court at the Prosecutor's discretion.