CIRCUIT COURTS

HISTORICAL EVOLUTION

[photo, Wicomico County Courthouse, 101 North Division St., Salisbury, Maryland] Circuit Courts
County Courts, 1777-1851
Circuit Courts, 1851-


Wicomico County Courthouse, 101 North Division St., Salisbury, Maryland, June 2018. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Baltimore City Circuit Court
Baltimore City Court of Oyer & Terminer & Gaol Delivery, 1789-1816
Baltimore City Court, 1817-1851

Baltimore City Court of Common Pleas, 1851-1980
Baltimore City Superior Court, 1851-1980
Baltimore City Criminal Court, 1851-1980
Circuit Court of Baltimore City, 1851-1980
Baltimore City Court, 1867-1980
Baltimore City Circuit Court no. 2, 1888-1980

Baltimore City Supreme Bench, 1980-1983
Baltimore City Circuit Court, 1983-

[photo, Howard County Courthouse, 8360 Court Ave., Ellicott City, Maryland] In each county and in Baltimore City is a Circuit Court. The Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over more serious criminal and civil cases, and also hears appeals from decisions in the District Court of Maryland. Circuit Court judges are nominated by trial courts judicial nominating commissions, and appointed by the Governor. At the first statewide election occurring at least one year after their appointment, Circuit Court judges must successfully stand for election to continue in office for a term of fifteen years.

Howard County Courthouse, 8360 Court Ave., Ellicott City, Maryland, May 2018. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

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