Md. Gen. Provi. 1-311

As amended through October 15, 2024

Rule 1-311 - Signing of Pleadings and Other Papers

(a) Requirement. Every pleading and paper of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney who has been admitted to practice law in this State and who complies with Rule 1-312. Every pleading and paper of a party who is not represented by an attorney shall be signed by the party. Every pleading or paper filed shall contain (1) the signer's address, telephone number, facsimile number, if any, and e-mail address, if any, and (2) if the pleading or paper is signed by an attorney pursuant to Rule 20-107, the attorney's identifying Attorney Number registered with the Attorney Information System.

Committee note: The requirement that a pleading contain a facsimile number, if any, and e-mail address, if any, does not alter the filing or service rules or time periods triggered by the entry of a judgment. See Blundon v. Taylor, 364 Md. 1 (2001).

(b) Effect of Signature. The signature of an attorney on a pleading or paper constitutes a certification that the attorney has read the pleading or paper; that to the best of the attorney's knowledge, information, and belief there is good ground to support it; and that it is not interposed for improper purpose or delay.

(c) Sanctions. If a pleading or paper is not signed as required (except inadvertent omission to sign, if promptly corrected) or is signed with intent to defeat the purpose of this Rule, it may be stricken and the action may proceed as though the pleading or paper had not been filed. For a wilful violation of this Rule, an attorney is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

Md. Gen. Provi. 1-311

This Rule is derived as follows:

Section (a) is derived from former Rules 302 a, 301 f, and the 1937 version of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11.

Section (b) is derived from former Rule 302 b and the 1937 version of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11.

Section (c) is derived from the 1937 version of Fed. R. Civ. P. 11.

Adopted April 6, 1984, eff. 7/1/1984. Amended Nov. 12, 2003, eff. 1/1/2004; 4/5/2005, eff. 7/1/2005; 10/20/2010; 6/7/2011, eff. 7/1/2011; 12/7/2015, eff. 1/1/2016; amended March 30, 2021, eff. 7/1/2021.

HISTORICAL NOTES

2003 Orders

The November 12, 2003, order amended the source note.

2005 Orders

The April 5, 2005, order, in section (a), added the last sentence, relating to electronic mail addresses and facsimile numbers; and added the committee note following section (a).

2010 Orders

The October 20, 2010, order, in subsec. (c), inserted "or paper following "the pleading.

2011 Orders

The June 7, 2011 order rewrote section (a); amended the committee note following section (a); and added source notes. Prior to amendment, section (a) read:

"(a) Requirement. Every pleading and paper of a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney who has been admitted to practice law in this State and who complies with Rule 1-312. Every pleading and paper of a party who is not represented by an attorney shall be signed by the party. Every pleading or paper filed shall contain the signer's address, telephone number, facsimile number, if any, and e-mail address, if any.

2015 Orders

The December 7, 2015, order, required that every pleading or paper signed by an attorney pursuant to Rule 20-107 contains the attorney's Client Protection Fund ID number.