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.
Cases typically come before the Court of Appeals on a writ of certiorari from the Court of Special Appeals. The court can decline the writ, 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.
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 has exclusive jurisdiction in death penalty appeals.
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. In practice, almost all cases are heard by seven judges, though a quorum for the court is five judges.
Read more about this topic: Maryland Court Of Appeals
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