Supreme Court of Maryland – Annapolis, MD

The State’s Highest Court

The Supreme Court of Maryland, formerly known as the Court of Appeals, stands as the court of last resort for the state. Located in the Robert C. Murphy Courts of Appeal Building, adjacent to the State House complex, it represents the pinnacle of the Maryland judiciary. Unlike lower courts, this institution does not conduct trials, hear witness testimony, or impanel juries. Instead, it reviews questions of law that have been appealed from the Appellate Court of Maryland and, in certain instances, directly from the Circuit Courts.

Appellate Review and Certiorari

The primary function of the Supreme Court is to resolve complex legal issues and ensure the uniform interpretation of the law across the state. The Court exercises discretionary jurisdiction, meaning it selects which cases to hear through a process known as the Writ of Certiorari. It typically accepts cases that present novel legal questions, matters of significant public interest, or constitutional challenges. Seven justices sit on the bench, representing seven appellate judicial circuits, to hear oral arguments and issue written opinions that set binding precedents for all other Maryland courts.

History and Significance

With roots tracing back to the 17th century and formally established by the Constitution of 1776, this is one of the oldest appellate courts in the nation. The Court has been responsible for shaping Maryland’s legal landscape for centuries. The renaming from ‘Court of Appeals’ to ‘Supreme Court of Maryland’ in December 2022 was a historic change designed to clarify its hierarchy to the public, aligning its title with the standard naming convention used in the federal system and most other states.

Oral Arguments and Procedures

The Court holds sessions primarily from September through June. Oral arguments are open to the public and provide a unique opportunity to witness high-level legal discourse. Attorneys for both sides present their cases within strict time limits, often facing rigorous questioning from the justices. While the building is open to visitors, those attending arguments must adhere to strict decorum and security protocols. The Supreme Court also oversees the admission of attorneys to the Maryland Bar and creates rules of practice and procedure for the state’s court system.