The Supreme Court of Maryland conducted oral arguments at St. Mary's College of Maryland on March 5, 2024. This event took place in the Nancy R. and Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center auditorium and was livestreamed. It marks the second occasion in recent history where the court has held arguments outside Annapolis.
Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader stated, "The Court’s goal of enhancing community engagement supports the Judiciary’s goal of promoting accountability and public trust." He added that holding arguments outside Annapolis helps advance civic education by allowing more people to attend in person.
Justice Jonathan Biran, representing the Fifth Appellate Judicial Circuit, commented on the experience: “It was a pleasure to bring my colleagues to St. Mary’s College of Maryland and see how beautiful the Fifth Circuit is.” He praised the students for their respectful engagement during the proceedings.
After hearing two cases—Antonio E. Gonzalez v. State of Maryland and Madelyn Bennett v. Thomas A. Gentile—the justices participated in a Q&A session with students, discussing judicial procedures and offering advice for aspiring jurists.
This initiative is supported by an Administrative Order issued on March 2, 2023, which allows for temporary sittings outside Annapolis beginning September Term 2023. The justice from each host circuit selects educational institutions for these sessions with full court approval.
Additionally, the Appellate Court of Maryland also holds off-site oral arguments under specific conditions set by its chief judge.