Maryland Court Records Search

About Maryland Courts:

The Maryland Court of Appeals is the highest court in the state (usually called the Supreme Court in other states). This Court has the ability to decide which cases to hear. By law, however, the Court of Appeals is required to hear cases involving the death penalty, legislative redistricting, removal of certain state officials, and the certifications of questions of law.

The Court of Special Appeals is Maryland’s intermediate appellate court. It considers any reviewable judgment, decree, order, or other action of the circuit and the orphans’ courts.

The Circuit Courts of Maryland are located in all 23 counties and the City of Baltimore. They are the trial courts of general jurisdiction. Circuit Courts handle major civil cases and more serious criminal matters, along with juvenile cases, family matters, and most appeals from the District Court, orphans’ courts and agencies.

There are no juries in the District Court; each case is heard and decided by a judge. The District Court hears both civil cases, including claims up to $30,000, domestic violence cases, landlord/tenant disputes, and civil cases involving amounts of less than $5,000. The District Court hears criminal cases, including motor vehicle/boating violations and other misdemeanors and limited felonies.

Orphans' Courts handle wills, estates, and other probate matters.