[Modernman]

So, just as a devil's advocate type of situation, suppose I, as a Maryland resident in Maryland, throw a rock in a non-criminal manner through the window of somebody's house across the border in Virginia. Which state's laws would apply?

Good question. I think, in a civil case, the subtantive law of Virginia would apply, since the damage occured in Virginia to a Virginia resident.

[inquest]

I guess I'll have to read up more on this, but it just seems so unjust to me. If I'm doing everything within the borders of my own state, I'd think I'd have the right to not be blindsided by the laws of another state, the drafting of which I had absolutely no say in. Either that, or there should be some controlling federal law. At least I'd have a say in that.