Maryland's Court of Appeals Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera has announced a new initiative to enhance online access to the Court of Special Appeals opinions. Starting May 1, 2015, previously unreported opinions will be available on the Maryland Courts website.
“Our goal is to modernize the Maryland court system and to increase electronic access to information, both of which help advance the Judiciary’s mission to provide timely, effective and fair access to justice for all,” said Chief Judge Barbera.
The distinction between "reported" and "unreported" opinions is outlined in Maryland Rule 8-605.1. The rule requires only those opinions deemed of substantial interest to be reported as precedents. Of the approximately 1,400 opinions issued annually by the Court of Special Appeals, about 90 percent are unreported and cannot be cited in legal arguments. Previously, these documents were accessible only at specific locations upon request but will now be available online alongside reported opinions.
“We recognize and honor our commitment to provide information in a timely and efficient manner to the public and the legal community,” stated Court of Special Appeals Chief Judge Peter B. Krauser. “As a result, we are joining a growing number of states that now place their unreported opinions online.”
The Court of Special Appeals was established in 1966 and hears appeals from circuit and orphans’ courts unless otherwise specified by law. Cases are typically heard by panels of three judges, though occasionally all 15 judges may sit en banc for an appeal. To access both reported and unreported opinions from the Court of Special Appeals, visit http://mdcourts.gov/cosappeals/ and click on unreported opinions.