Maryland’s Justices Trade Red Robes for Black
By Alec Sandler
Guest Contributor
Maryland court watchers may have noticed a change on Friday morning. After wearing their red robes on the first day of arguments for the September 2025 Term, the justices of the Supreme Court of Maryland traded their distinctive red robes for new black ones.
The Court has not made a public comment, but the “opening day” red robes suggest that the justices will continue to wear red robes on ceremonial occasions. Today’s black robes match the nation’s other 49 state supreme courts, whose justices all wear black.
[Update: The Court’s website now explains: “Beginning with the 2025 Term, the Supreme Court of Maryland will be wearing red robes for ceremonial occasions, including the first oral argument day of each term and for bar admissions ceremonies. The Court will return to wearing black robes on most other court days.”]
Read More…Supreme Court of Maryland Requires New Hearing in Syed Case
The Supreme Court of Maryland today issued a four-to-three opinion affirming in part the decision of the Appellate Court. Justice Biran (joined by Justices Watts, Gould, and Eaves) wrote for the four-justice majority. Justice Hotten (joined by Justices Booth and Battaglia) and Justice Booth (joined by Justices Hotten and Battaglia) authored dissents.
Read More…Mark Your Calendars: Maryland Appellate Courts to Change Names on December 14
The Court of Appeals of Maryland posted this update today:
Read More…Maryland high court grants expedited review of Prince George’s County redistricting case
On January 31, 2022, the Prince George’s County Circuit Court enjoined the implementation of the County Council’s controversial new map for council districts. See Rachel Chason, Prince George’s judge throws out divisive redistricting map approved by county council, Washington Post (Jan. 31, 2022).
Read More…In-Person Appellate Oral Arguments Ended Suddenly with a Bang, and are Restarting Slowly with Anticipated Full Strength in the Fall.
By: Michael Wein
What happened in March 2020 was an abrupt departure for everyone, and a surprisingly long segue from normal. This post provides an update. As outlined in detail in previous posts for this Blog, the Maryland and Federal Appellate Courts (which include Maryland), suddenly postponed Oral arguments in March 2020. They also had the unenviable task transitioning to Remote Oral Arguments for the first time. It’s been that way for about a year.
Assuming T.S. Eliot is a legal authority (he’s not, but fun to quote) and as a matter of transitive logic, a “bang” wouldn’t signify the end of the world…only a whimper. Thus, there will be a resumption of normal. [1]
Read More…Oral Arguments Postponed Left and Right Due to Coronavirus…At Least in Maryland, How Long Should this Last?
By: Michael Wein
It began with court and jury trials being postponed throughout the State of Maryland. But the past 10 business days have seen a remarkably swift progression in the postponement of appellate oral arguments in all Maryland and related Federal Courts due to the novel coronavirus. Read More…
Bessie Decker to Retire as Clerk of Court of Appeals
By Steve Klepper (Twitter: @MDAppeal)
In bittersweet news for the Maryland bench and bar, Bessie Decker, the first-ever woman to serve as Clerk of the Court of Appeals, will retire on October 1. The upcoming vacancy is now posted on the Maryland Courts website, with an application deadline of October 5.
A 2008 news story regarding Ms. Decker’s appointment provides some background on her long, distinguished service to the Court of Appeals and Maryland bar: Read More…
Court of Appeals to review injunction removing Oaks from primary ballot
The Court of Appeals today granted a petition for certiorari by the administrator of the State Board of Elections, who is challenging yesterday’s injunction requiring that former state senator Nathaniel Oaks’ name be removed from the June primary ballot. Heather Coburn has been covering the case at The Daily Record. The Court of Appeals has scheduled argument this coming Wednesday, May 2. Read More…
Adnan Syed entitled to new trial, Court of Special Appeals affirms. What’s next?
By Steve Klepper (Twitter: @MDAppeal)[*]
The Court of Special Appeals of Maryland has issued its decision in Adnan Syed v. State of Maryland. The opinion, affirming that Syed is entitled to a new trial, is available here.
So what’s next? Read More…
Judge Niemeyer’s dissent is the real headline in Maryland political gerrymandering case
By Steve Klepper (Twitter: @MDAppeal)
Today, a three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland stayed proceedings in Maryland’s political gerrymandering case, Benisek v. Lamone, pending the Supreme Court’s decision in the Wisconsin political gerrymandering case, Gill v. Whitford. The real headline, though, is Fourth Circuit Judge Paul Niemeyer’s dissent, which could have real implications for Gill. Read More…
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