Circuit Court

James C. Morton, Jr., Fifth
Appellate Circuit Davidsonville, 1983

Solomon Liss, Sixth
Appellate Circuit Baltimore, 1988

Charles E. Moylan, Jr.
At Large Baltimore, 1987

Edward 0. Weant, Jr.
At Large Westminster, 1990

Thomas Hunter Lowe
At Large Wittman, 1989

David T. Mason
At Large Baltimore, 1991

John J. Bishop, Jr.
At Large Towson, 1991

Alan M. Wilner
At Large Baltimore, 1988

Howard E. Friedman, Clerk of the Court
Robert J. Booze, Chief Deputy Clerk

Courts of Appeal Building
Annapolis 21401 Telephone: 269-3646

The Court of Special Appeals, Maryland's in-
termediate appellate court, was created in 1966 as
the result of an increasingly overwhelming
caseload in the Court of Appeals, which had
caused that court to develop a substantial back-
log.

The Court of Special Appeals sits in Annapolis
and, although it was orginally composed of five
judges, now consists of thirteen members. One
member of the Court is elected from each of the
first five Appellate Judicial Circuits while two
members are elected from the Sixth Appellate Ju-
dicial Circuit (Baltimore City). The remaining six
judges are elected from the State at large. Mem-
bers of the Court of Special Appeals are initially
appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the
Senate, and thereafter run on their records with-
out formal opposition. They are elected to a ten-
year term of office in the same manner as are
members of the Court of Appeals. The Chief
Judge of the Court of Special Appeals is designat-
ed by the Governor.

The Court of Special Appeals, except as other-
wise provided by law, has exclusive initial appel-
late jurisdiction over any reviewable judgment,
decree, order, or other action of a circuit court
and generally hears cases appealed as of right
from the circuit courts. Judges of the Court are
empowered to sit in panels of three. A hearing or
rehearing before the Court en bane may be or-
dered in any case by a majority of the incumbent
judges of the Court. The Court also considers ap-

Judiciary/427

plications for leave to appeal in such areas as
post conviction, habeas corpus matters involving
denial of excessive bail, and inmate grievances
(Code Courts Article, secs. 1-401 through 1-403).

The clerk of the Court of Special Appeals is
appointed by the Court. The clerk maintains the
docket, receives the records and briefs of all ap-
peals filed with the Court, and maintains official
custody of the decisions of the Court.

CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND

FIRST JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset, and Dorchester
counties—6 Judges

Richard M. Pollitti, Chief Judge Wicomico, 1989
Dale R. Cathell Worcester, 1997
Charles E. Edmondson Dorchester, 1991
Lloyd L. Simpkins Somerset, 1991
Edward 0. Thomas Worcester, 1995
Alfred T. Truitt, Jr. Wicomico, 1993

SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

Caroline, Cecil, Kent, Queen Anne's, and Talbot
counties—6 Judges

George B. Rasin, Jr.,l Chief Judge Kent, 1993
Clayton C. Carter Queen Anne's, 1995
Harry E. dark Talbot, 1983
Donaldson C. Cole, Jr. Cecil, 1995
H. Kenneth Mackey Cecil, 1983
James Owen Wise Caroline, 1984

THIRD JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

Baltimore and Harford counties—16 Judges

John E. Raine, Jr., Chief Judge Baltimore, 1987
Austin W. Brizendine, Sr. Baltimore, 1995
William R. Buchanan Baltimore, 1993
Brodnax Cameron, Jr. Harford, 1993
Frank E. Ciconel Baltimore, 1989
Albert P. Close Harford, 1983
Edward A. DeWaters, Jr. Baltimore, 1991
John F. Fader II Baltimore, 1997
Walter R. Haile Baltimore, 1983
Edward D. Higinbothom Harford, 1991
J. William Hinkel Baltimore, 1997
Cullen H. Honnes Baltimore, 1995
James H. Langrall Baltimore, 1997
James S. Sfekas Baltimore, 1997
A. Owen Hennegan Baltimore, 1984
Cypert 0. Whitfill Harford, 1984