At virtually every hall of justice in Maryland, there seems to be a hot dog cart.

Several explanations come to mind. Hot dogs, like our courts, are "of the people." Both the courts and hot dog stands draw a lot of traffic. Finally, reporters who cover the courts tell me that whenever an officer of the law makes a court appearance, it is customary for him or her to stop at a hot dog cart for fuel.

Baltimore City Circuit Court

Address --100 N. Calvert St.

Hours --11 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays

Two sidewalk carts are set up on both sides of the 100 block of N. Calvert, near the Clarence M. Mitchell Jr. Courthouse. An all-beef dog with sauerkraut costs $1.50 and is so potent it could keep an aggressive attorney at bay.

Know of a good carryout place? Let us hear about it. Write to rob.kasper@baltsun.com.