Court of Appeals

COURT OF APPEALS

Chief Judge:

Robert C. Murphy, Second
Appellate Circuit Towson, 1989

Associate Judges:

Marvin H. Smith, First Appellate
Circuit Federalsburg, 1985

Rita C. Davidson, Third Appellate
Circuit Chevy Chase, 1990

James F. Couch, Jr., Fourth
Appellate Circuit Adelphi, 1988

John C. Eldridge, Fifth
Appellate Circuit Annapolis, 1991

Lawrence F. Rodowsky, Sixth
Appellate Circuit Baltimore, 1992

Harry A. Cole, Sixth
Appellate Circuit Baltimore, 1988

James H. Norris, Jr., Acting Clerk of the Court
Robert C. Franke, Chief Deputy Clerk
Virginia S. Hubbard, Deputy Clerk IV
Mary J. Morris, Deputy Clerk III
Jane A. Faudree, Deputy Clerk II

Courts of Appeal Building
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 269-3341

The Court of Appeals of Maryland, the highest
tribunal in the State of Maryland, was created by
the Constitution of 1776. In the early years of its
existence, the Court met at various locations
within the State, but since 1851 has sat only in
Annapolis. The term of the Court begins the sec-
ond Monday of September in each year.

The Court is presently composed of seven
members, one from each of the first five Appel-
late Judicial Circuits and two from the Sixth Ap-
pellate Judicial Circuit (Baltimore City). Members
of the Court, after initial appointment by the
Governor and confirmation by the Senate, run for
office on their records without opposition. If the
voters reject the retention in office of a judge, or
if the vote is tied, that office becomes vacant and
must be filled by a new appointment. Otherwise,
the incumbent judge is retained in office for a
ten-year term. The Chief Judge of the Court of
Appeals is designated by the Governor and is the
constitutional administrative head of the Mary-
land judicial system.

By legislation effective January 1, 1975, the
Court of Appeals hears cases almost exclusively
by way of certiorari (i.e., on review). As a result,

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its formerly excessive caseload has been reduced
to a manageable level so as to allow it to devote
its efforts to the most important and far-reaching
decisions. At present the Court may review a case
decided by the Court of Special Appeals or may
bring up for review cases filed in that court be-
fore they are decided there. The Court of Appeals
may also review certain decisions rendered at the
circuit court level if those courts have acted in an
appellate capacity with respect to an appeal from
the District Court. The Court is empowered to
adopt rules of judicial administration, practice,
and procedure, which have the force of law. It
also reviews recommendations of the State Board
of Law Examiners, and conducts disciplinary pro-
ceedings involving members of the bench and bar.

During the conduct of its business, the Court
of Appeals must devote considerable time and ef-
fort to the exercise of its rule-making functions,
and it holds a number of hearings throughout the
year in regard to the adoption or amendment of
rules of practice and procedure. It also must ap-
portion some of its time to the supervision of the
activities of the Attorney Grievance Commission.
The ever-increasing number of petitions for cer-
tiorari also consume more of the Court's time
with each passing year. Other regular duties, such
as the admission of persons to the practice of
law, also claim a portion of the Court's time
(Code Courts Article, secs. 12-301 through
12-307).

The clerk of the Court of Appeals is appointed
by the Court. The clerk maintains the docket, re-
ceives the briefs and transcripts of all cases filed
with the Court, and maintains official custody of
the decisions of the Court, the Acts of the Gener-
al Assembly, and of all other records that the law
may require to be filed with the Court (Const.
1867, Art. IV, sec. 17).

COURT OF SPECIAL APPEALS

Chief Judge:

Richard P. Gilbert, Sixth
Appellate Circuit Baltimore, 1987

Associate Judges:

William H. Adkins II, First
Appellate Circuit Easton, 1984

Paul E. Alpert, Second
Appellate Circuit Towson, 1984

Vacancy, Third
Appellate Circuit

John J. Garrity, Fourth
Apellate Circuit University Park, 1984