The Antitrust Division was created in 1972
(Chapter 357, Acts of 1972). The Division enforces
the Maryland Antitrust Act which governs re-
straints of trade, unfair competition, monopolies,
and other acts or practices that restrain or tend to
restrain trade and commerce within the State. The
Act calls for both civil and criminal enforcement of
its provisions and permits the Attorney General to
cooperate with officials of the federal government
and the several states in enforcing antitrust laws
(Code Commercial Law Article, secs. 11-201
through 11-213).

CIVIL LITIGATION DIVISION
Evelyn O. Cannon, Chief of Litigation
Lawrence Fletcher-Hill, Deputy Chief
of Litigation

200 St Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 576-6330

The Civil Litigation Division represents State
government and State employees in major federal
and State civil lawsuits. By advising or acting as
co-counsel, Division attorneys help agency counsel
involved in or contemplating litigation. The Divi-
sion reviews civil complaints for potential suits to
be filed by the State, and all federal and State civil
appellate briefs. The Division also approves the
payment of all settlements and judgments.

CORRECTIONAL LITIGATION UNIT
Stephanie Lane-Weber, Counsel
(410) 576-6340

Within the Civil Litigation Division, the Correc-
tional Litigation Unit is responsible for the repre-
sentation of State's Attorneys in any lawsuit
challenging their official actions, and of Sheriffs
where the matter involves correctional matters. The
Unit also represents State officials and employees
who are sued in State or federal courts by prisoners
for violations of their constitutional rights in Mary-
land prisons.

DIVISION OF CONSUMER PROTECTION
William Leibovici, Chief
Lucy A. Weisz, Deputy Chief

200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 576-6557

Organized in 1967, the Division of Consumer
Protection oversees the control and regulation of
unfair and deceptive trade practices (Chapter 338,
Acts of 1967). Through court litigation, adminis-
trative hearings, complaint mediation, and arbitra-
tion, it enforces civil remedies. The Division also
recommends legislation to the Governor and the
General Assembly to protect the public from
fraudulent schemes and promotions.

Information about violations of laws affecting
consumers is reported by the Division to other law
enforcement authorities. Publishing educational
materials for the public, the Division encourages
business and industry to maintain high standards of
honesty, fair business practices, and public respon-
sibility in the production, promotion, and sale of
consumer goods and services (Code Commercial
Law Article, secs. 13-101 through 13-501).
The Division oversees five units: Arbitration,
Complaint Handling, Health Club Registration,
Health Education and Advocacy, and Investigative

CONSUMER COUNCIL

Nancy T. Perry, Chair, 1998
(410) 576-6573

The Consumer Council was formed in 1974 as
part of the Division of Consumer Protection. The
Council advises the Division, undertakes studies
and reports, and fosters cooperation among federal,
State and local agencies, and private groups (Chap
ter 609, Acts of 1974).
The Council has ten members. Nine are ap-
pointed for six-year terms by the Governor with
Senate consent. One serves ex officio (Code Com-
mercial Law Article, sec. 13-202).

ARBITRATION UNIT
Alfred E. Lawson, Director
(410) 576-6591

The Arbitration Unit resolves disputes between
consumers and businesses (Code Commercial Law
Article, sec. 13-404). Both parties must agree to
submit the dispute to arbitration. Neither party is
charged for this service.

COMPLAINT HANDLING UNIT
Rebecca G. Bowman, Director
(410) 576-6554
Consumer Hotlines—Baltimore: (410) 528-8662
Hagerstown: (301) 791-4780
Salisbury: (410) 543-6620

The Complaint Handling Unit receives and
conciliates consumer complaints (Code Commer-
cial Law Article, secs. 13-401, 13-402). The Unit's
three telephone "hotlines" provide consumers with
prepurchase advice, business complaint histories,
and instructions on how to file a complaint.

HEALTH CLUB REGISTRATION UNIT
Sidney Francois, Administrator
(410) 576-6350

The Health Club Registration Unit was started
in the Division of Consumer Protection in 1986.
The Unit registers Maryland health clubs and en-
sures that they are properly bonded (Code Com-
mercial Law Article, secs. 14-12B-01 through
14-12B-08).