Supreme Court of Maryland: Difference between revisions

Edit links
Coordinates: 38°59′07″N 76°30′05″W / 38.9852°N 76.501418°W / 38.9852; -76.501418
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Added sources
No edit summary
(34 intermediate revisions by 26 users not shown)
Line 2: Line 2:
{{Infobox high court
{{Infobox high court
|court_name = Supreme Court of Maryland
|court_name = Supreme Court of Maryland
|image = MarylandCourtOfAppealsSeal.jpg
|image = Supreme_Court_of_Maryland_Seal.png
|imagesize = 125px
|imagesize = 125px
|caption = Seal of the Supreme Court of Maryland
|caption = Seal of the Supreme Court of Maryland
|established = {{start date and age|1776}}
|established = {{start date and age|1776}} (as Court of Appeals)
|country = [[Maryland]] {{flagicon|Maryland}}, United States {{flagicon|USA}}
|country = [[Maryland]] {{flagicon|Maryland}}, United States {{flagicon|USA}}
|location = [[Annapolis, Maryland]], U.S.
|location = [[Annapolis, Maryland]], U.S.
Line 15: Line 15:
|positions = 7
|positions = 7
|website = [http://www.courts.state.md.us/coappeals/ Official website]
|website = [http://www.courts.state.md.us/coappeals/ Official website]
|chiefjudgetitle = Chief Judge
|chiefjudgetitle = Chief Justice
|chiefjudgename = [[Matthew J. Fader]]
|chiefjudgename = [[Matthew J. Fader]]
|termstart = April 15, 2022
|termstart = April 15, 2022
|termend = July 23, 2049
|termend = July 23, 2043
|termend2 =
|termend2 =
}}
}}


The '''Supreme Court of Maryland''' is the [[state supreme court|highest court]] of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Maryland]]. Its previous name, the '''Maryland Court of Appeals''' was officially changed on December 14, 2022, after a voter-approved change to the state constitution. The court, which is composed of one chief judge and six associate judges, meets in the [[Robert C. Murphy (judge)|Robert C. Murphy]] Courts of Appeal Building in the state capital, [[Annapolis, Maryland|Annapolis]]. The term of the Court begins the second Monday of September. The Court is unique among American courts in that the judges wear red robes. The Maryland Court of Appeals joins the [[New York Court of Appeals]] in being the only two state highest courts to bear the name "Court of Appeals" rather than "Supreme Court", though the [[Texas Court of Criminal Appeals]] is that state's highest criminal court that bears the name "Court of Appeals".
The '''Supreme Court of Maryland''' (previously the '''Maryland Court of Appeals''') is the [[state supreme court|highest court]] of the [[U.S. state]] of [[Maryland]]. The court, which is composed of one chief justice and six associate justices, meets in the [[Robert C. Murphy (judge)|Robert C. Murphy]] Courts of Appeal Building in the state capital, [[Annapolis, Maryland|Annapolis]]. The term of the Court begins the second Monday of September. The Court is unique among American courts in that the justices wear red robes.


==History==
In the [[2022 Maryland elections|2022 general election]] held on November 8, 2022, voters approved a constitutional amendment to change the name of the court to the '''Supreme Court of Maryland'''.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana|last2=Opilo |first2=Emily|date=November 9, 2022 |title=Maryland to require legislators to live in their districts; state will rename its high court|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/elections/bs-md-pol-maryland-ballot-questions-vote-20221109-55lh7busmngc7e6waiy7jeixra-story.html|access-date=November 9, 2022 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |language=en-US}}</ref> It changed to this name on December 14, 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lash |first1=Steve |title=Maryland's appellate courts will get new names Dec. 14 |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2022/11/29/marylands-appellate-courts-will-get-new-names-dec-14/ |access-date=December 14, 2022 |work=[[The Daily Record (Maryland)|The Daily Record]] |date=November 29, 2022}}</ref><ref>https://ublawforum.wordpress.com/2022/11/13/election-day-was-a-namechanger-voters-successfully-rename-marylands-appellate-courts/</ref>
[[File:MarylandCourtOfAppealsSeal.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Seal as the ''Court of Appeals''.]]
As the highest tribunal in Maryland, the Court of Appeals was created by Article 56 of the [[Maryland Constitution of 1776]]. The Court was to be "composed of persons of integrity and sound judgment in the law, whose judgment shall be final and conclusive in all cases of appeal, from the general court, court of chancery, and court of admiralty". With counsel, advice and consent, the Governor appointed all of the judges. Five judges were commissioned in 1778, but that number was reduced to three in 1801. The Court was restructured in 1806 by dividing the State into six judicial districts with a chief judge and two associate judges for each district appointed by the Governor and Council. Together, these six chief judges constituted the Court of Appeals which began to sit on the [[Delmarva Peninsula|Eastern Shore]] at [[Easton, Maryland|Easton]] as well as on the Western Shore at the State capital.

The [[Maryland Constitution of 1851]] divided the State into four judicial districts. Voters of each district elected a judge to the Court of Appeals for a ten-year term. The Court became responsible solely for appellate duties and sat only at Annapolis, whereas before it sat in various locations throughout the State. Five judges, each elected from one of five judicial districts, were prescribed by the [[Maryland Constitution of 1864]].

The [[Maryland Constitution of 1867]] (currently in effect) returned to the older form of requiring Court of Appeals judges to assume trial court and appellate duties. In seven judicial circuits, the Governor, with Senate advice and consent, designated a chief judge. In the eighth judicial circuit in [[Baltimore]], the voters elected the chief judge. These eight chief judges then constituted the Court of Appeals.

Judicial reorganization in 1943 provided for a five-member Court of Appeals elected for terms of fifteen years. The five judges included two from Baltimore City and one each from three appellate judicial circuits. In 1960, the number of judges was increased to the present-day seven. Until 1994, there was one from each of the first five Appellate Judicial Circuits and two from the Sixth Appellate Judicial Circuit (Baltimore), but a Constitutional amendment realigned the circuits to create seven circuits with one judge from each. Since 1975, the Court of Appeals has heard cases almost exclusively by way of ''[[certiorari]]''. As a result, the Court's formerly excessive workload has been reduced to a more manageable level, thus allowing the Court to devote more time to the most important and far-reaching issues.<ref name="MDCourts">{{Cite web |title=Court Overview &#124; Maryland Courts |url=https://www.courts.state.md.us/coappeals/coaoverview |website=www.courts.state.md.us}}</ref>

Maryland was formerly one of only two states whose highest judicial body was called a "Court of Appeals" rather than a "Supreme Court," along with the [[New York Court of Appeals]].{{Efn|Additionally, the highest court in the [[District of Columbia]] is the [[District of Columbia Court of Appeals]]. The [[Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals]] and [[Texas Court of Criminal Appeals]] are the highest courts for criminal matters in their respective states, which use the term "Supreme Court" for their highest courts that hear civil matters.|name=otherStates}} In the [[2022 Maryland elections|2022 general election]] held on November 8, 2022, voters approved a constitutional amendment to change the name of the court to the "Supreme Court of Maryland", and the title of its judges to "Justice."<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |last2=Opilo |first2=Emily |date=November 9, 2022 |title=Maryland to require legislators to live in their districts; state will rename its high court |language=en-US |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/elections/bs-md-pol-maryland-ballot-questions-vote-20221109-55lh7busmngc7e6waiy7jeixra-story.html |access-date=November 9, 2022}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=13 November 2022 |title=Election Day was a "Namechanger": Voters Successfully Rename Maryland's Appellate Courts |url=https://ublawforum.com/2022/11/13/election-day-was-a-namechanger-voters-successfully-rename-marylands-appellate-courts/}}</ref> The same amendment also renamed the intermediate appellate court from the Court of Special Appeals to the [[Appellate Court of Maryland]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |date=13 November 2022 |title=Election Day was a "Namechanger": Voters Successfully Rename Maryland's Appellate Courts |url=https://ublawforum.com/2022/11/13/election-day-was-a-namechanger-voters-successfully-rename-marylands-appellate-courts/}}</ref> The new names became effective on December 14, 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lash |first1=Steve |date=November 29, 2022 |title=Maryland's appellate courts will get new names Dec. 14 |work=[[The Daily Record (Maryland)|The Daily Record]] |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2022/11/29/marylands-appellate-courts-will-get-new-names-dec-14/ |access-date=December 14, 2022}}</ref>


==Functions==
==Functions==
As Maryland's highest court, the Court of Appeals reviews cases of both major and minor importance. 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 State Board of Law Examiners in attorney disciplinary and admission matters. The Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, designated by the Governor, is the constitutional administrative head of the Maryland judicial system.<ref name="MM1">{{cite web |title=Court of Appeals: Origin and Functions |work=Maryland Manual Online |publisher=Maryland State Archives |url=http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/29ap/html/apf.html |access-date=2007-07-08 }}</ref>
As Maryland's highest court, the Supreme Court of Maryland reviews cases of both major and minor importance. Throughout the year, the Supreme Court of Maryland holds hearings on the adoption or amendment of rules of practice and procedure. It also supervises the Attorney Grievance Commission and State Board of Law Examiners in attorney disciplinary and admission matters. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland, designated by the Governor, is the constitutional administrative head of the Maryland judicial system.<ref name="MM1">{{cite web |title=Court of Appeals: Origin and Functions |work=Maryland Manual Online |publisher=Maryland State Archives |url=http://www.msa.md.gov/msa/mdmanual/29ap/html/apf.html |access-date=2007-07-08 }}</ref>


Cases typically come before the Court of Appeals on a petition for a [[certiorari|writ of certiorari]] to the [[Maryland Court of Special Appeals|Court of Special Appeals]]. The court can decline the petition, and refuse to hear the case, or it can grant the "cert," and hear the appeal. The judges sometimes decide to hear an appeal before the lower appellate court has heard the case.<ref name=MM1/> This is known as the Court 'granting certiorari on its own motion', or 'reaching down'. In this instance, the writ of certiorari is issued to the trial court, rather than to the Court of Special Appeals (Maryland's intermediate appellate court, or appellate court of right).
Cases typically come before the Supreme Court of Maryland on a petition for a [[certiorari|writ of certiorari]] to the [[Appellate Court of Maryland]]. The court can decline the petition, and refuse to hear the case, or it can grant the "cert," and hear the appeal. The justices sometimes decide to hear an appeal before the lower appellate court has heard the case.<ref name=MM1/> This is known as the Court 'granting certiorari on its own motion', or 'reaching down'. In this instance, the writ of certiorari is issued to the trial court, rather than to the Appellate Court of Maryland (Maryland's intermediate appellate court, or appellate court of right).


The court does not sit in panels; all seven judges sit on each case (''en banc'') 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. In practice, almost all cases are heard by seven judges, though a [[quorum]] for the court is five judges.<ref name=MM1/>
The court does not sit in panels; all seven justices sit on each case (''en banc'') 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 justice. In practice, almost all cases are heard by seven justices, though a [[quorum]] for the court is five justices.<ref name=MM1/>


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 legislative [[redistricting]], removal of certain officers, and certification of questions of law. Additionally, it had exclusive jurisdiction in [[death penalty]] appeals prior to the abolition of [[capital punishment in Maryland]].<ref name=MM1/>
While it is generally an [[appellate court]] and hears most cases on appeal, the Supreme Court of Maryland has [[exclusive jurisdiction]] over certain matters, such as legislative [[redistricting]], removal of certain officers, and certification of questions of law. Additionally, it had exclusive jurisdiction in [[death penalty]] appeals prior to the abolition of [[capital punishment in Maryland]].<ref name=MM1/>


As the state's "supreme court," the Court of Appeals likewise retains original jurisdiction to discipline all attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Maryland.<ref>{{cite news|author=Irwin Kramer|title=Attorney Grievance: An Overview of Discipline in the Court of Appeals of Maryland|work=AttorneyGrievances.com|url=http://attorneygrievances.com/overview/disciplinary-process/court-proceedings|access-date=2015-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415191853/http://attorneygrievances.com/overview/disciplinary-process/court-proceedings|archive-date=2015-04-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> It can impose penalties ranging from reprimands to the ultimate punishment, disbarment.
The Supreme Court of Maryland likewise retains original jurisdiction to discipline all attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Maryland.<ref>{{cite news|author=Irwin Kramer|title=Attorney Grievance: An Overview of Discipline in the Court of Appeals of Maryland|work=AttorneyGrievances.com|url=http://attorneygrievances.com/overview/disciplinary-process/court-proceedings|access-date=2015-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150415191853/http://attorneygrievances.com/overview/disciplinary-process/court-proceedings|archive-date=2015-04-15|url-status=dead}}</ref> It can impose penalties ranging from reprimands to the ultimate punishment, disbarment.


==Jurists==
==Justices==


===Appointment and qualifications===
===Appointment and qualifications===
The seven judges of the Court of Appeals are appointed by the [[Governor of Maryland]] with [[Maryland State Senate|Senate]] consent. They serve ten-year terms. However, note that the ballot for re-election says only 'for continuance in office'. I.e. there is no opposing candidate.
The seven justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland are appointed by the [[Governor of Maryland]] with [[Maryland State Senate|Senate]] consent. They serve ten-year terms. However, note that the ballot for re-election says only 'for continuance in office'. I.e. there is no opposing candidate.


The Judges of the court are required to be citizens of and qualified voters in Maryland. Prior to their appointment, they must have lived in Maryland for at least five years, and must have lived for at least six months in the appellate judicial circuit from which they are appointed. They must be at least thirty years of age at the time of appointment, and must have been admitted to practice law in Maryland. Appointees should be "most distinguished for integrity, wisdom and sound legal knowledge."
The justices of the court are required to be citizens of and qualified voters in Maryland. Prior to their appointment, they must have lived in Maryland for at least five years, and must have lived for at least six months in the appellate judicial circuit from which they are appointed. They must be at least thirty years of age at the time of appointment, and must have been admitted to practice law in Maryland. Appointees should be "most distinguished for integrity, wisdom and sound legal knowledge."


After initial appointment by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate, members of the court, at the first general election occurring at least one year after their appointment, run for continuance in office on their records without opposition. If the voters reject the retention in office of a judge, or the vote is tied, the office becomes vacant. Otherwise, the incumbent judge is retained in office for a ten-year term. This requirement of voter approval is similar to provisions in the [[Missouri Plan]], a non-partisan method for selecting judges which is used by 11 states. Like all Maryland judges, members of the Court of Appeals must retire by their 70th birthday.<ref>{{cite news|author=Tim Maloney|title=Makeover for Maryland's Highest Court|work=Washington Post|page=B8|date=2005-08-07|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/06/AR2005080600838.html|access-date=2007-05-24}} The constitutional provision is [[Maryland Constitution|MD. CONST.]] [http://www.elections.state.md.us/law/mdcartiv/mdcartiv-5a.htm art. IV, §5A(f)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214052027/http://www.elections.state.md.us/law/mdcartiv/mdcartiv-5a.htm |date=2006-12-14 }}.</ref>
After initial appointment by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate, members of the court, at the first general election occurring at least one year after their appointment, run for continuance in office on their records without opposition. If the voters reject the retention in office of a justice, or the vote is tied, the office becomes vacant. Otherwise, the incumbent justice is retained in office for a ten-year term. This requirement of voter approval is similar to provisions in the [[Missouri Plan]], a non-partisan method for selecting judges which is used by 11 states. Like all Maryland judges, members of the Supreme Court of Maryland must retire by their 70th birthday.<ref>{{cite news|author=Tim Maloney|title=Makeover for Maryland's Highest Court|newspaper=Washington Post|page=B8|date=2005-08-07|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/06/AR2005080600838.html|access-date=2007-05-24}} The constitutional provision is [[Maryland Constitution|MD. CONST.]] [http://www.elections.state.md.us/law/mdcartiv/mdcartiv-5a.htm art. IV, §5A(f)] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061214052027/http://www.elections.state.md.us/law/mdcartiv/mdcartiv-5a.htm |date=2006-12-14 }}.</ref>


There is one judge from each of the state's seven Appellate Judicial Circuits. Each judge is required to be a resident of his or her respective circuit. The circuits are currently as follows:
There is one justice from each of the state's seven Judicial Circuits. Each justice is required to be a resident of his or her respective circuit. The circuits are currently as follows:


{| class=wikitable
{| class=wikitable
!colspan=2|
!colspan=2|
<span style="font-size:125%;">'''Maryland Court of Appeals Judicial Circuits'''</span>
<span style="font-size:125%;">'''Maryland Judicial Circuits'''</span>
|-
|-
!Circuit
!Circuit
Line 71: Line 81:
|-
|-
|6
|6
|[[Baltimore City]]
|[[Baltimore]]
|-
|-
|7
|7
Line 78: Line 88:
|}
|}


===Current judges===
===Current justices===
{{see also|List of judges of the Maryland Court of Appeals}}
{{see also|List of judges of the Supreme Court of Maryland}}
[[File:Supreme Court of Maryland (53289465761).jpg|thumb|alt=From left to right: Steven B. Gould, Brynja M. Booth, Shirley M. Watts, Matthew J. Fader, Michele D. Hotten, Jonathan Biran, and Angela M. Eaves|Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland, 2023]]

Unlike most other American federal, state, and local courts, the justices on the Supreme Court of Maryland wear red robes and with white cross-collars, reminiscent of British [[court dress]]. Judges at all other levels of the Maryland judiciary wear the more customary black robes.
[[File:Robert M. Bell (2008).jpg|thumb|right|90px|[[Robert M. Bell]], retired Chief Judge. 1996–2013]]

Unlike most other states (save, again, New York), the jurists on the Maryland Court of Appeals are called judges, not justices. Also unlike most other American federal, state, and local courts, the judges on the Court of Appeals wear red robes and with white cross-collars, reminiscent of British [[court dress]]. Judges at all other levels of the Maryland judiciary wear the more customary black robes.


{| class="wikitable sortable" sortable
{| class="wikitable sortable" sortable
!Circuit !! Judge !! Born !! Joined the court !! Mandatory<br />retirement !! Appointing<br />governor !! College !! Law school
!Circuit !! Justice<ref>{{cite web |title=Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland |url=https://www.courts.state.md.us/coappeals/judges |website=Maryland Courts}}</ref> !! Born !! Joined !! Term ends !! Mandatory retirement{{efn|Justices must retire by the age of 70.}} !! Appointed by !! Law school
|-
|1
|[[Brynja McDivitt Booth]]
|{{birth date and age|1972|6|10}}
|{{dts|April 18, 2019}}
|{{dts|June 10, 2042}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|[[Bucknell University]]
|[[Washington and Lee University School of Law|Washington and Lee]]
|-
|2
|[[Angela M. Eaves]]
|{{birth date and age|1959|4|22}}
|{{dts|April 12, 2022}}
|{{dts|April 22, 2029}}
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|[[University of Texas at Austin|Texas]]
|[[University of Texas School of Law|Texas]]
|-
|-
|3
|3
|[[Matthew J. Fader]], ''Chief Judge''
|{{sortname|Matthew J.|Fader}}, ''Chief Justice''
|{{birth date and age|1973|7|23}}
|{{birth date and age|1973|7|23}}
|{{dts|April 15, 2022}}
|{{dts|April 15, 2022}}
| 2024
|{{dts|July 23, 2049}}
|2043
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|[[University of Virginia|Virginia]]
|[[Yale University|Yale]]
|[[Yale University|Yale]]
|-
|-
|4
|6
|{{sortname|Shirley M.|Watts}}
|[[Michele D. Hotten]]
|{{birth date and age|1954|4|20}}
|{{birth date and age|1959|3|6}}
|{{dts|December 22, 2015}}
|{{dts|July 31, 2013}}
|{{dts|April 20, 2024}}
| 2024
|2029
|{{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[Martin O'Malley]] (D)
|[[Rutgers Law School|Rutgers]]
|-
|1
|{{sortname|Brynja McDivitt|Booth}}
|{{birth date and age|1972|6|10}}
|{{dts|April 18, 2019}}
| 2030
|2042
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|[[University of South Florida|USF]]
|[[Washington and Lee University School of Law|Washington and Lee]]
|[[Howard University School of Law|Howard]]
|-
|-
|5
|5
|[[Jonathan Biran]]
|{{sortname|Jonathan|Biran}}
|{{Birth year and age|1966}}
|{{Birth year and age|1966}}
|{{dts|December 16, 2019}}
|{{dts|December 16, 2019}}
| 2030
|2040/2041
|2036
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|[[Swarthmore College|Swarthmore]]
|[[Stanford Law School|Stanford]]
|[[Stanford Law School|Stanford]]
|-
|6
|[[Shirley M. Watts]]
|{{birth date and age|1959|3|6}}
|{{dts|July 31, 2013}}
|{{dts|March 6, 2029}}
|{{Party shading/Democratic}}|[[Martin O'Malley]] (D)
|[[ Howard University|Howard]]
|[[Rutgers Law School|Rutgers]]
|-
|-
|7
|7
|[[Steven B. Gould]]
|{{sortname|Steven B.|Gould}}
|{{birth date and age|1966|5|9}}
|{{birth date and age|1966|5|9}}
|{{dts|September 11, 2021}}
|{{dts|September 11, 2021}}
| 2032
|{{dts|May 9, 2036}}
|2036
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|[[University of Pennsylvania|Penn]]
|[[Boston University School of Law|Boston University]]
|[[Boston University School of Law|Boston University]]
|-
|2
|{{sortname|Angela M. |Eaves}}
|{{birth date and age|1959|4|22}}
|{{dts|April 12, 2022}}
| 2024
|2029
|{{Party shading/Republican}}|[[Larry Hogan]] (R)
|[[University of Texas School of Law|Texas]]
|-
|4
|''Vacant''
|
|
|
|
|
|
|}
|}
{{notelist}}


===Vacancy and pending nomination===
===Senior judges===
Judges of the Maryland Court of Appeals who no longer wish to work full time, or wish to have more control over their schedules, may become senior judges and be appointed to hear cases if: they were not removed or involuntarily retired from the bench, they did not leave the bench for reason of disability, they did not leave the bench because they lost an election or did not gain Senate confirmation, they were not censured by the Maryland Court of Appeals upon recommendation of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, and they do not engage in the practice of law.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mdcourts.gov/hr/seniorjudges|title=Welcome Senior Judges &#124; Maryland Courts|website=www.mdcourts.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2005/gcj/1-302.html|title=Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 1-302|website=Justia Law}}</ref><ref>https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/hr/seniorjudges/pdfs/approvedrecallapplication.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref>


{| class=wikitable
==History==
! Seat
As the highest tribunal in Maryland, the Court of Appeals was created by Article 56 of the [[Maryland Constitution of 1776]]. The Court was to be "composed of persons of integrity and sound judgment in the law, whose judgment shall be final and conclusive in all cases of appeal, from the general court, court of chancery, and court of admiralty . . ." With counsel, advice and consent, the Governor appointed all of the judges. Five judges were commissioned in 1778, but that number was reduced to three in 1801. The Court was restructured in 1806 by dividing the State into six judicial districts with a chief judge and two associate judges for each district appointed by the Governor and Council. Together, these six chief judges constituted the Court of Appeals which began to sit on the [[Delmarva Peninsula|Eastern Shore]] at [[Easton, Maryland|Easton]] as well as on the Western Shore at the State capital.
! Seat last held by
! Vacancy reason
! Date of vacancy
! Nominee
! Date of nomination
|-
| —
| [[Michele D. Hotten]]
| Mandatory retirement
| April 20, 2024
| align="center" | {{sort|0|–}}
| align="center" | {{sort|0|–}}
|}


===Senior justices===
The [[Maryland Constitution of 1851]] divided the State into four judicial districts. Voters of each district elected a judge to the Court of Appeals for a ten-year term. The Court became responsible solely for appellate duties and sat only at Annapolis, whereas before it sat in various locations throughout the State. Five judges, each elected from one of five judicial districts, were prescribed by the [[Maryland Constitution of 1864]].
Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland who no longer wish to work full time, or wish to have more control over their schedules, may become senior justices and be appointed to hear cases if: they were not removed or involuntarily retired from the bench, they did not leave the bench for reason of disability, they did not leave the bench because they lost an election or did not gain Senate confirmation, they were not censured by the Supreme Court of Maryland upon recommendation of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, and they do not engage in the practice of law.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mdcourts.gov/hr/seniorjudges|title=Welcome Senior Judges &#124; Maryland Courts|website=www.mdcourts.gov}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://law.justia.com/codes/maryland/2005/gcj/1-302.html|title=Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 1-302|website=Justia Law}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Application for Certification or Recertification for Recall as a Senior Judge |url=https://www.mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/import/hr/seniorjudges/pdfs/approvedrecallapplication.pdf |website=Maryland Courts}}</ref>

The [[Maryland Constitution of 1867]] (currently in effect) returned to the older form of requiring Court of Appeals judges to assume trial court and appellate duties. In seven judicial circuits, the Governor, with Senate advice and consent, designated a chief judge. In the eighth judicial circuit (Baltimore City), the voters elected the chief judge. These eight chief judges then constituted the Court of Appeals.

Judicial reorganization in 1943 provided for a five-member Court of Appeals elected for terms of fifteen years. The five judges included two from Baltimore City and one each from three appellate judicial circuits. In 1960, the number of judges was increased to the present-day seven. Until 1994, there was one from each of the first five Appellate Judicial Circuits and two from the Sixth Appellate Judicial Circuit (Baltimore City), but a Constitutional amendment realigned the circuits to create seven circuits with one judge from each. Since 1975, the Court of Appeals has heard cases almost exclusively by way of ''[[certiorari]]''. As a result, the Court's formerly excessive workload has been reduced to a more manageable level, thus allowing the Court to devote more time to the most important and far-reaching issues.<ref name="MDCourts">{{Cite web|url=https://www.courts.state.md.us/coappeals/coaoverview|title=Court Overview &#124; Maryland Courts|website=www.courts.state.md.us}}</ref> In the [[2022 Maryland elections|2022 general election]], a ballot measure asked Maryland voters whether to approve a constitutional amendment changing the court's name to the Supreme Court of Maryland.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lash |first1=Steve |title=Md. voters will vote on name change for appeals courts |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2021/04/07/md-voters-will-vote-on-name-change-for-appeals-courts/ |access-date=October 7, 2022 |work=[[Daily Record (Maryland)|The Daily Record]] |date=April 7, 2021}}</ref> The measure was approved by 74.2% of voters on November 8, 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana|last2=Opilo |first2=Emily|date=November 9, 2022 |title=Maryland to require legislators to live in their districts; state will rename its high court|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/elections/bs-md-pol-maryland-ballot-questions-vote-20221109-55lh7busmngc7e6waiy7jeixra-story.html|access-date=November 9, 2022 |work=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>https://ublawforum.wordpress.com/2022/11/13/election-day-was-a-namechanger-voters-successfully-rename-marylands-appellate-courts/</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Courts of Maryland]]
* [[Courts of Maryland]]
* [[Government of Maryland]]
* [[Government of Maryland]]
* [[Maryland Court of Special Appeals]]
* [[Appellate Court of Maryland]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}


==References==
==References==
Line 173: Line 194:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.courts.state.md.us/coappeals/index.html Homepage for the Court of Appeals]
* [https://mdcourts.gov/coappeals Homepage for the Supreme Court of Maryland]
* [http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/29ap/html/ap.html Information from the Maryland Archives]
* [http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/29ap/html/ap.html Information from the Maryland Archives]
* [http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/43const/html/04art4.html Maryland Constitution, Article IV: Judiciary Department]
* [http://www.mdarchives.state.md.us/msa/mdmanual/43const/html/04art4.html Maryland Constitution, Article IV: Judiciary Department]

Revision as of 16:47, 20 April 2024

Supreme Court of Maryland
Seal of the Supreme Court of Maryland
Map
Established1776; 248 years ago (1776) (as Court of Appeals)
LocationAnnapolis, Maryland, U.S.
Composition methodAppointment by the Governor of Maryland with the advice and consent of the Maryland Senate
Authorized byMaryland Constitution
Appeals toSupreme Court of the United States
Judge term length10 years (mandatory retirement at the age of 70)
Number of positions7
WebsiteOfficial website
Chief Justice
CurrentlyMatthew J. Fader
SinceApril 15, 2022
Lead position endsJuly 23, 2043

The Supreme Court of Maryland (previously the Maryland Court of Appeals) is the highest court of the U.S. state of Maryland. The court, which is composed of one chief justice and six associate justices, 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. The Court is unique among American courts in that the justices wear red robes.

History

Seal as the Court of Appeals.

As the highest tribunal in Maryland, the Court of Appeals was created by Article 56 of the Maryland Constitution of 1776. The Court was to be "composed of persons of integrity and sound judgment in the law, whose judgment shall be final and conclusive in all cases of appeal, from the general court, court of chancery, and court of admiralty". With counsel, advice and consent, the Governor appointed all of the judges. Five judges were commissioned in 1778, but that number was reduced to three in 1801. The Court was restructured in 1806 by dividing the State into six judicial districts with a chief judge and two associate judges for each district appointed by the Governor and Council. Together, these six chief judges constituted the Court of Appeals which began to sit on the Eastern Shore at Easton as well as on the Western Shore at the State capital.

The Maryland Constitution of 1851 divided the State into four judicial districts. Voters of each district elected a judge to the Court of Appeals for a ten-year term. The Court became responsible solely for appellate duties and sat only at Annapolis, whereas before it sat in various locations throughout the State. Five judges, each elected from one of five judicial districts, were prescribed by the Maryland Constitution of 1864.

The Maryland Constitution of 1867 (currently in effect) returned to the older form of requiring Court of Appeals judges to assume trial court and appellate duties. In seven judicial circuits, the Governor, with Senate advice and consent, designated a chief judge. In the eighth judicial circuit in Baltimore, the voters elected the chief judge. These eight chief judges then constituted the Court of Appeals.

Judicial reorganization in 1943 provided for a five-member Court of Appeals elected for terms of fifteen years. The five judges included two from Baltimore City and one each from three appellate judicial circuits. In 1960, the number of judges was increased to the present-day seven. Until 1994, there was one from each of the first five Appellate Judicial Circuits and two from the Sixth Appellate Judicial Circuit (Baltimore), but a Constitutional amendment realigned the circuits to create seven circuits with one judge from each. Since 1975, the Court of Appeals has heard cases almost exclusively by way of certiorari. As a result, the Court's formerly excessive workload has been reduced to a more manageable level, thus allowing the Court to devote more time to the most important and far-reaching issues.[1]

Maryland was formerly one of only two states whose highest judicial body was called a "Court of Appeals" rather than a "Supreme Court," along with the New York Court of Appeals.[a] In the 2022 general election held on November 8, 2022, voters approved a constitutional amendment to change the name of the court to the "Supreme Court of Maryland", and the title of its judges to "Justice."[2][3] The same amendment also renamed the intermediate appellate court from the Court of Special Appeals to the Appellate Court of Maryland.[3] The new names became effective on December 14, 2022.[4]

Functions

As Maryland's highest court, the Supreme Court of Maryland reviews cases of both major and minor importance. Throughout the year, the Supreme Court of Maryland holds hearings on the adoption or amendment of rules of practice and procedure. It also supervises the Attorney Grievance Commission and State Board of Law Examiners in attorney disciplinary and admission matters. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland, designated by the Governor, is the constitutional administrative head of the Maryland judicial system.[5]

Cases typically come before the Supreme Court of Maryland on a petition for a writ of certiorari to the Appellate Court of Maryland. The court can decline the petition, and refuse to hear the case, or it can grant the "cert," and hear the appeal. The justices sometimes decide to hear an appeal before the lower appellate court has heard the case.[5] This is known as the Court 'granting certiorari on its own motion', or 'reaching down'. In this instance, the writ of certiorari is issued to the trial court, rather than to the Appellate Court of Maryland (Maryland's intermediate appellate court, or appellate court of right).

The court does not sit in panels; all seven justices sit on each case (en banc) 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 justice. In practice, almost all cases are heard by seven justices, though a quorum for the court is five justices.[5]

While it is generally an appellate court and hears most cases on appeal, the Supreme Court of Maryland has exclusive jurisdiction over certain matters, such as legislative redistricting, removal of certain officers, and certification of questions of law. Additionally, it had exclusive jurisdiction in death penalty appeals prior to the abolition of capital punishment in Maryland.[5]

The Supreme Court of Maryland likewise retains original jurisdiction to discipline all attorneys admitted to the practice of law in Maryland.[6] It can impose penalties ranging from reprimands to the ultimate punishment, disbarment.

Justices

Appointment and qualifications

The seven justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland are appointed by the Governor of Maryland with Senate consent. They serve ten-year terms. However, note that the ballot for re-election says only 'for continuance in office'. I.e. there is no opposing candidate.

The justices of the court are required to be citizens of and qualified voters in Maryland. Prior to their appointment, they must have lived in Maryland for at least five years, and must have lived for at least six months in the appellate judicial circuit from which they are appointed. They must be at least thirty years of age at the time of appointment, and must have been admitted to practice law in Maryland. Appointees should be "most distinguished for integrity, wisdom and sound legal knowledge."

After initial appointment by the Governor and confirmation by the Senate, members of the court, at the first general election occurring at least one year after their appointment, run for continuance in office on their records without opposition. If the voters reject the retention in office of a justice, or the vote is tied, the office becomes vacant. Otherwise, the incumbent justice is retained in office for a ten-year term. This requirement of voter approval is similar to provisions in the Missouri Plan, a non-partisan method for selecting judges which is used by 11 states. Like all Maryland judges, members of the Supreme Court of Maryland must retire by their 70th birthday.[7]

There is one justice from each of the state's seven Judicial Circuits. Each justice is required to be a resident of his or her respective circuit. The circuits are currently as follows:

Maryland Judicial Circuits

Circuit Counties
1 Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, and Worcester counties
2 Baltimore County and Harford County
3 Allegany, Carroll, Frederick, Garrett, Howard, and Washington counties
4 Prince George's County
5 Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary's counties
6 Baltimore
7 Montgomery County

Current justices

See also: List of judges of the Supreme Court of Maryland
From left to right: Steven B. Gould, Brynja M. Booth, Shirley M. Watts, Matthew J. Fader, Michele D. Hotten, Jonathan Biran, and Angela M. Eaves
Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland, 2023

Unlike most other American federal, state, and local courts, the justices on the Supreme Court of Maryland wear red robes and with white cross-collars, reminiscent of British court dress. Judges at all other levels of the Maryland judiciary wear the more customary black robes.

Circuit Justice[8] Born Joined Term ends Mandatory retirement[b] Appointed by Law school
3 Matthew J. Fader, Chief Justice (1973-07-23) July 23, 1973 (age 50) April 15, 2022 2024 2043 Larry Hogan (R) Yale
6 Shirley M. Watts (1959-03-06) March 6, 1959 (age 65) July 31, 2013 2024 2029 Martin O'Malley (D) Rutgers
1 Brynja McDivitt Booth (1972-06-10) June 10, 1972 (age 51) April 18, 2019 2030 2042 Larry Hogan (R) Washington and Lee
5 Jonathan Biran 1966 (age 57–58) December 16, 2019 2030 2036 Larry Hogan (R) Stanford
7 Steven B. Gould (1966-05-09) May 9, 1966 (age 58) September 11, 2021 2032 2036 Larry Hogan (R) Boston University
2 Angela M. Eaves (1959-04-22) April 22, 1959 (age 65) April 12, 2022 2024 2029 Larry Hogan (R) Texas
4 Vacant
  1. ^ Additionally, the highest court in the District of Columbia is the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals and Texas Court of Criminal Appeals are the highest courts for criminal matters in their respective states, which use the term "Supreme Court" for their highest courts that hear civil matters.
  2. ^ Justices must retire by the age of 70.

Vacancy and pending nomination

Seat Seat last held by Vacancy reason Date of vacancy Nominee Date of nomination
— Michele D. Hotten Mandatory retirement April 20, 2024 – –

Senior justices

Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland who no longer wish to work full time, or wish to have more control over their schedules, may become senior justices and be appointed to hear cases if: they were not removed or involuntarily retired from the bench, they did not leave the bench for reason of disability, they did not leave the bench because they lost an election or did not gain Senate confirmation, they were not censured by the Supreme Court of Maryland upon recommendation of the Commission on Judicial Disabilities, and they do not engage in the practice of law.[9][10][11]

See also

Notes

References

  1. ^ "Court Overview | Maryland Courts". www.courts.state.md.us.
  2. ^ Munro, Dana; Opilo, Emily (November 9, 2022). "Maryland to require legislators to live in their districts; state will rename its high court". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 9, 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Election Day was a "Namechanger": Voters Successfully Rename Maryland's Appellate Courts". 13 November 2022.
  4. ^ Lash, Steve (November 29, 2022). "Maryland's appellate courts will get new names Dec. 14". The Daily Record. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
  5. ^ a b c d "Court of Appeals: Origin and Functions". Maryland Manual Online. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved 2007-07-08.
  6. ^ Irwin Kramer. "Attorney Grievance: An Overview of Discipline in the Court of Appeals of Maryland". AttorneyGrievances.com. Archived from the original on 2015-04-15. Retrieved 2015-01-11.
  7. ^ Tim Maloney (2005-08-07). "Makeover for Maryland's Highest Court". Washington Post. p. B8. Retrieved 2007-05-24. The constitutional provision is MD. CONST. art. IV, §5A(f) Archived 2006-12-14 at the Wayback Machine.
  8. ^ "Justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland". Maryland Courts.
  9. ^ "Welcome Senior Judges | Maryland Courts". www.mdcourts.gov.
  10. ^ "Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings Section 1-302". Justia Law.
  11. ^ "Application for Certification or Recertification for Recall as a Senior Judge" (PDF). Maryland Courts.

External links

38°59′07″N 76°30′05″W / 38.9852°N 76.501418°W / 38.9852; -76.501418

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Supreme_Court_of_Maryland&oldid=1219913287"