What is an order to show cause?

An order to show cause is a court order that requires a person to appear in court to explain why a certain action or injunction should not be taken. It is a document issued by a judge that orders a person to appear in court and show why an action should not be taken against them, or why a certain decision should not be made. In Maryland, an order to show cause may be issued if a judge believes that a defendant has disrupted a court proceeding, or if a plaintiff is seeking an injunction. The order will usually be issued by the judge to the defendant requesting that the defendant provide reasons as to why a certain action should not be taken. The order will usually give the defendant a date by which to appear in court. The defendant must appear in court and explain why the requested action should not take place. The court may then decide whether or not to take the action in question.

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