Voter-approved constitutional change renames high courts to Supreme and Appellate Court of Maryland

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Today, Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation announcing that the majority of votes cast in the November 8 General Election were in favor of the constitutional amendment that changes the names of Maryland’s two appellate courts. Effective immediately, the Court of Appeals of Maryland is now the Supreme Court of Maryland, and the Court of Special Appeals is now the Appellate Court of Maryland.

“The Court of Appeals of Maryland and the Court of Special Appeals have a rich and long history operating under these names,” said Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader. “Both courts will continue to honor that history as we carry forward what those who came before us have worked so hard to build. Although the names are changing, Maryland’s highest courts and the entire Judiciary remain steadfastly committed to upholding the rule of law and achieving our mission of providing fair, efficient, and effective justice for all.”

Maryland’s highest court originated in the mid-seventeenth century when the colonial Governor and Provincial Council, sitting as the Upper Chamber in the Assembly, held appellate jurisdiction as the Court of Appeals. Established by the Maryland Constitution of 1776, the Court of Appeals has remained the appellate court of last resort for the past 246 years. Under the recently passed constitution amendment, the jurisdiction and function of the Court will remain the same and the seven judges will now be known as justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland.

“This is a welcome and much-needed change,” said Chief Judge E. Gregory Wells, Appellate Court of Maryland. “Hopefully the voter-approved constitutional change in the names of both courts clears up any confusion among the public, lawyers, and judges from other jurisdictions about the roles of our respective courts. It should be noted, however, the precedents, rules, and all other practices of the court are unaffected by the renaming, and we will continue business as usual at the highest level of service.”

The Court of Special Appeals was created in 1966 by constitutional amendment as Maryland’s intermediate appellate court. Originally, five judges served on the court. The number of judges who serve on the intermediate appellate court increased several times over the years. Currently, 15 judges sit on the renamed Appellate Court of Maryland.   

For more information, please contact the Maryland Judiciary’s Government Relations and Public Affairs Division, [email protected] or click here for court overview.