Why Are These Judges Running? The Maryland Judicial Appointment Process

Since 1970 the Maryland judicial nominating process has started with Gubernatorial Executive Orders forming nominating Committees. Lawyers who are nominated by the committee meet high standards of legal aptitude and are to be the "most distinguished for integrity, wisdom and sound legal knowledge" as dictated by the Maryland Constitution.

By the Maryland Constitution, Circuit Court Judges must run in the election after their appointment to be retained. The term for a Circuit Court Judge is 15 years.

For a detailed overview of the judicial selection process please visit the Maryland Courts Selection Process page.

Judges running for judicial office are obligated under the Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct to not take a position on matters that are likely to come before them as a judge (Canon 5(B)(1)(d)). Click here for the Maryland Code of Judicial Conduct, found in the Maryland Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 16-813.