2026 Judicial Education Course Catalog

MARCH (CONT’D)

Maryland Public Information Act — Basic Principles & Recurring Issues 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. The Maryland Public Information Act (“PIA”), which ensures public access to government records, is one of Maryland’s most frequently used statutes. This training is geared toward helping judges consider and decide cases arising under the PIA. We will start by discussing the basic principles of the PIA and then delve into some of the recurring issues that often find themselves before a court for resolution, such as the extent to which government agencies can shield records and the extent to which they can charge fees for the costs of responding to records requests. We will also address some common misconceptions about the PIA. The goal is for the training to be useful both for those new to the PIA as well as those who have prior experience handling PIA matters. Coordinator: Patrick Hughes, Esq.

THURSDAY, MARCH 19 Construction Law II 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

Construction Law II will take a deeper dive into specific laws and standards that govern the construction industry. This course will cover the intricacies of surety bonding, distinguishing between performance and payment bonds while reviewing industry standards, rating requirements, and notice provisions. Judges will explore Maryland’s “Little Miller Act,” as well as prevailing wage requirements and enforcement under the Wage Payment and Collection Act. This course will also delve into Maryland’s licensing requirements, ensuring judges are well-equipped to adjudicate construction-related legal disputes with confidence. Coordinator : Hon. Andrea Leahy TUESDAY, MARCH 24 Administrative Appeals — Review of Administrative Agencies 9 a.m. – Noon Judicial review of administrative agency decisions is a unique scenario in which a court that usually hears cases pursuant to its original jurisdiction is tasked to review a decision by an administrative agency or an administrative law judge (“ALJ”). This course will endeavor to cover all of the topics relevant to that process. This starts with the Office of Administrative Hearings (“OAH”) itself, its history and mission, the cases it hears, and the delegations of authority it receives from Maryland agencies. It is also important to understand the powers of duties of ALJs, and the position of litigants who come before them. From the OAH, petitions for judicial review are made to the circuit court. It is important for members of the Judiciary to understand the scope of review, and standard of review, the applicable rules, and how the governing law is different from case to case. Coordinator : Hon. David Leibensperger

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Judicial College of Maryland