Maryland Court of Appeals

The Maryland Court of Appeals is the supreme court of the U.S. state of Maryland. The court, which is composed of one chief judge and six associate judges, meets in the Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building in the state capital, Annapolis. The term of the Court begins the second Monday of September.

Functions

As Maryland's highest court, the Court of Appeals reviews cases of major importance where the decisions rendered are based on constitutional interpretation of the law. Throughout the year, the Court of Appeals holds hearings on the adoption or amendment of rules of practice and procedure. It also supervises the Attorney Grievance Commission and admits persons to the practice of law. The Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, designated by the Governor, is the constitutional administrative head of the Maryland judicial system.

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While it is generally an Appellate court and hears most cases on appeal, the Court of Appeals has exclusive jurisdiction over certain matters, such as death penalty cases, legislative redistricting, removal of certain officers, and certification of questions of law.

Related Topics:
Appellate court - Death penalty - Redistricting

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The court does not sit in panels; all seven judges sit on each case unless there is a disqualification, in which event a judge from another court, or a retired appellate judge, may be specially assigned to sit in the place of the disqualified judge. A quorum for the court is five judges.

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