Maryland Supreme Court Decisions

Located in Annapolis, the Maryland Supreme Court is the highest court in Maryland. (It was known as the Maryland Court of Appeals until December 14, 2022, when a constitutional amendment changed its name.) The Court issues rules of administration, practice, and procedure that govern lower courts and the legal profession in Maryland. In addition to answering broad legal questions, it holds exclusive jurisdiction over cases involving certain issues. These include appeals from a death sentence, challenges to legislative redistricting, and matters related to the removal of elected officials. The Court also oversees disciplinary proceedings for attorneys and judges.

To serve as a judge on the Maryland Supreme Court, a candidate must be at least 30 years old at the time of their appointment and admitted to practice law in the state. A candidate also must be a citizen and a qualified voter in Maryland, a resident of the state for at least five years, and a resident of the judicial circuit to which they are appointed for at least six months. Seven judges serve on the Court, representing each of the state’s seven appellate judicial circuits. The Governor of Maryland appoints each judge, but the Maryland Senate must confirm them. To remain on the Court after their appointment, they must win a retention election at least one year later. Each judge serves a 10-year term. Judges in Maryland must retire when they turn 70.

A judge may be removed from the Maryland Supreme Court if they are impeached by the House of Delegates and convicted by two-thirds of the Senate. They also may be removed by the Governor upon the address of the General Assembly if the Governor obtains the agreement of two-thirds of the House of Delegates and two-thirds of the Senate. In other cases, the Supreme Court may remove one of its judges if the Commission on Judicial Disabilities recommends this measure. The General Assembly also has the authority to retire a judge upon a two-thirds vote in each house, combined with the concurrence of the Governor.