All Laws Decoded

The Death Penalty in Maryland

How Maryland law treats death penalty, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: Maryland no longer has the death penalty. It was repealed by Chapter 156 of the 2013 session (Senate Bill 276), effective October 1, 2013, and replaced with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Md. Code, Crim. Law §§2-201(b), 2-203, 2-304; 2013 Md. Laws ch. 156 (SB 276)

Death penaltyMaryland no longer has the death penalty. It was repealed by Chapter 156 of the 2013 session (Senate Bill 276), effective October 1, 2013, and replaced with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Today a person convicted of first-degree murder is sentenced to life without parole or to life; life without parole may be imposed only if the State gave written notice at least 30 days before trial, and a jury's decision to impose it must be unanimous.
Bill page (title 'Death Penalty Repeal - Substitution of Life Without the Possibility of Parole', approved May 2, 2013, effective October 1, 2013): https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0276?ys=2013RS . §2-304: https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?enactments=false&article=gcr&section=2-304.

More Maryland criminal law

FAQ

Does Maryland have the death penalty?
Maryland no longer has the death penalty. It was repealed by Chapter 156 of the 2013 session (Senate Bill 276), effective October 1, 2013, and replaced with life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. Today a person convicted of first-degree murder is sentenced to life without parole or to life; life without parole may be imposed only if the State gave written notice at least 30 days before trial, and a jury's decision to impose it must be unanimous.

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.