Governor Larry Hogan announced that Maryland voters have approved a constitutional amendment to rename the state's two appellate courts. The Court of Appeals of Maryland is now called the Supreme Court of Maryland, and the Court of Special Appeals has been renamed the Appellate Court of Maryland.
Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader stated, "The Court of Appeals of Maryland and the Court of Special Appeals have a rich and long history operating under these names. 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 dates back to the mid-seventeenth century when it functioned as an appellate jurisdiction under colonial governance. Established by the 1776 state constitution, it has served as the appellate court of last resort for 246 years. Despite its new name, its jurisdiction remains unchanged with seven judges now titled justices.
Chief Judge E. Gregory Wells commented on this development: "This is a welcome and much-needed change. 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, that precedents, rules, and all other practices of the court are unaffected by renaming, and we will continue business as usual at the highest level of service."
The intermediate appellate court was established in 1966 with five judges initially serving on what was then known as the Court of Special Appeals. Over time this number increased to 15 judges currently presiding over cases in what is now termed as Appellate Court of Maryland.