Background: Carter and you meet with a new client, Cleo Edwards, who came to LRC seeking assistance in obtaining a protective order against her live-in lover, John Carpenter.

John began beating Cleo one year ago, two weeks after he moved into her apartment in Montgomery County, Maryland. Cleo lost her job ten months ago, so she has stayed in the relationship although the beatings have gotten progressively worse over time, in part because she has no means of support. Cleo is concerned that a domestic violence shelter won't let her bring the puppy that John bought for her six months ago; she's also afraid that John might neglect or even hurt the puppy if she leaves the puppy behind. Last night, however, John beat Cleo so severely that she was treated in the emergency room for three fractured ribs, and she says that she wants to end the relationship.

Carter has agreed to represent Edwards, who needs immediate assistance. Carter wants to file Petition for Relief from Abuse and obtain a Temporary Protective Order (TPO) for Cleo this afternoon. Carter asks for your help with some quick research.

Instructions:

1. Using Westlaw, find the statutory provision in West's Annotated Code of Maryland that authorizes filing of a Petition for Relief for Abuse in a domestic violence case.Cite the section of the statute in proper Bluebook format.

2. Using your own words, describe what must be included in the Petition for Relief from abuse, as per the identified statute. Do not simply copy and paste text from the statute.

3. Based on the facts of the case, what types of relief do you think Cleo qualifies for in a Temporary Protective Order (TPO)? Explain your reasoning and cite the statutory provisions that authorize the court to grant the relief you've identified, using Bluebook format.