E-Filing Notice
Updated July 6, 2020
Effective July 1, 2020, appellate e-filing is now mandatory for all attorneys, and they are required to file petitions, briefs, motions, and other papers via the MDEC system in all cases, even cases from non-MDEC jurisdictions. Self-represented parties may choose to become registered users of the MDEC system. If they do, they must file petitions, briefs, motions, and other papers via the MDEC system in all cases, even those from non-MDEC jurisdictions. Attorneys and self-represented parties who are not already registered users of the MDEC system can find resources on how to register and e-file on the Judiciary’s website.
For more information please refer to the June 17, 2020 Rules Order pertaining to the 205th Report of the Standing Committee on Rules of Practice and Procedure.
Administration of the Attorney Oath
Updated October 28, 2021
The Attorney Oath will be administered telephonically in the Court of Appeals Courtroom on the following dates and times: Friday, October 29, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Thursday, November 4, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Friday, November 5, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; and Wednesday, November, 10, 2021, 9:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
For more information, please refer to the July 20, 2021 Amended Administrative Order on Administration of the Attorney Oath.
The Court of Appeals is the highest court in the State (commonly called the Supreme Court in other states and at the federal level). It hears cases almost exclusively by way of certiorari, a process which gives the court discretion to decide which cases to hear. However, the Court of Appeals is mandated by law to hear cases involving legislative redistricting, removal of certain officers, and certifications of questions of law.
The Chief Judge, Joseph M. Getty, sits on the Court along with six other judges. All seven judges hear oral arguments on each case unless a judge removes him/herself from a case; in this event, a judge from another court, or a retired appellate judge, may be specially assigned to sit in the place of the recused judge.