Menefee v. State

This case presents the opportunity to reflect on the unique governmental relationship between the State of Maryland (the State) and the Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). 1 John Menefee (“Menefee”), on his behalf and for his son, John Damien Menefee, appeals from the judgment of the Circuit Court for Montgomery County— dismissing the suit the Menefees filed against the State— which reasoned that the State was not a proper party to the civil suit for damages based on alleged tortious conduct by DHHS employees. Specifically, Menefee alleged that two employees of…