Maryland Judiciary's Annual Statistical Performance Measures is an interactive compilation of trial and appellate courts caseload and performance data. These pages include information about the work of the state's courts and highlight the daily efforts of the Maryland Judiciary's dedicated professionals to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice for all. The data presented herein reflect the operation of the courts, including total incoming and outgoing cases, clearance rates, active caseload volumes, and case processing performance measures.
The Appellate Court of Maryland was created in 1966. Cases heard by the Court include any reviewable judgment, decree, or order of other action of a circuit court. The Court also considers applications for leave to appeal in such cases as post-conviction, habeas corpus matters involving denial of or excessive bail, inmate grievances, appeals from criminal guilty pleas, and violations of probation.
The Court includes fifteen judges - one judge from each of the seven appellate judicial circuits and eight from the State at large. The judges are empowered to sit in panels of three. All judges may sit “en banc” to hear a case if the majority of the judges so order. The Appellate Court of Maryland was renamed in 2022 and was formerly named the Court of Special Appeals.
The Supreme Court of Maryland was created by the Constitution of 1776, and is the highest court in Maryland. Cases heard by the seven judges of the Court are, for the most part, selected through a discretionary review process known as “certiorari.” Petitions for certiorari come to the Court either before or after a case has been decided by the Appellate Court of Maryland or from Circuit Court decisions when the Circuit Court is acting in the capacity of an appellate court from a District Court appeal. For most cases, the Court grants those petitions for certiorari it deems to be desirable and in the public interest.
The Supreme Court of Maryland also adopts rules of judicial administration, practice and procedure; admits persons to the practice of law; answers certified questions of law; and conducts disciplinary proceedings involving members of the bench and bar. The Supreme Court of Maryland was renamed in 2022 and was formerly named the Court of Appeals.