A Maryland Request for Show Cause Order for Contempt is a legal document issued by a court in the state of Maryland that requires a person to appear in court and explain why they should not be held in contempt for not complying with a court order. Contempt of court can occur if a person willfully or intentionally fails to comply with a court order or directive. This document gives the person notice that they are being accused of contempt and must appear before the court to explain why they should not be held in contempt. There are two types of Maryland Request for Show Cause Order for Contempt: civil contempt and criminal contempt. Civil contempt occurs when a person violates a court order or directive that is meant to protect the rights of another person or party. Criminal contempt occurs when a person violates a court order or directive that is meant to protect the authority and dignity of the court. In either case, the person accused of contempt must appear in court and explain why they should not be held in contempt. If the court finds that the accused is in contempt, the court may impose a financial penalty or jail time.