Did you know

Did you know

Hue and Cry
Let’s say it’s the Middle Ages in England, and a villainous highwayman has just made off with your purse of gold. What do you do? You can’t call the police, because in medieval England there was no organized police force, much less telephones; indeed, 911 is even less than a joke in your town—it doesn’t exist! Instead, the job of fighting crime belongs to ordinary citizens. The first step is to raise a stink—victims of or witnesses to a crime are expected to yell something like “stop thief!” so that anyone who hears the “hue and cry” will be legally bound to join in the pursuit of the perfidious pilferer. Fast-forwarding to today, although hue and cry  (hue comes from an Old French word meaning “noise” or “outcry”; cry comes from the synonymous Anglo-French cri) were used in legal contexts upon entering English in the 15th century, they now more often refer to general alarm, complaint, or protest.

 

The Evolution of Maryland Driver’s Licenses: From No Picture to Enhanced Security

The Maryland driver’s license has undergone significant changes over the years, evolving from a simple piece of 
paper to a highly secure form of identification. This transformation has been driven by the need for enhanced 
security and the prevention of identity theft and fraud.

From No Picture to Picture

Initially, Maryland driver’s licenses did not include a photograph. This changed in the mid-1970s when the state introduced photo IDs to enhance security and make it more difficult for individuals to use 
someone else’s license. By 1976-77, all newly issued licenses included a photograph, making it easier to verify the identity of the license holder 
and improve overall security.

The Introduction of Two Pictures

In the 1990s, Maryland took another step to improve the security of its driver’s licenses by introducing a second 
photograph. This change was influenced by several factors, including the case of Flint Gregory Hunt. Hunt, who was convicted of murder, had stolen a victim’s driver’s license, burned off the photograph, and attempted to 
obtain a replacement. This incident highlighted the need for additional security measures to prevent such 
fraudulent activities.

The Move to Three Pictures

More recently, Maryland has introduced a third photograph on its driver’s licenses. This latest enhancement is 
part of a broader effort to stay ahead of potential security threats and ensure the integrity of the identification 
process. The three-picture system includes a primary photo, a smaller secondary photo, and a ghost image, making it even more 
difficult to alter or counterfeit the license.

The Importance of Security

The evolution of Maryland’s driver’s licenses reflects the state’s commitment to security and the protection of its 
residents. Each change has been driven by the need to address emerging threats and ensure that the licenses 
remain a reliable form of identification. The introduction of multiple photographs and other security features helps to prevent identity theft, fraud, and other criminal activities.

Conclusion

Maryland’s driver’s licenses have come a long way from their early days without photographs. The introduction of multiple pictures and other security measures has made them one of the most secure forms of identification 
available. These changes underscore the importance of continually adapting to new challenges and ensuring 
that our identification systems remain robust and reliable.