The Appellate Court of Maryland originally could hear only criminal cases.

However, its jurisdiction has expanded so that it now considers any reviewable judgment, decree, order, or other action of the circuit and orphans’ courts, unless otherwise provided by law.

Judges sitting on the Appellate Court of Maryland generally hear and decide cases in panels of three.

They must be at least thirty years of age at the time of appointment, and must have been admitted to practice law in Maryland.

This requirement of voter approval is similar to provisions of the Missouri Plan, a non-partisan method for selecting judges which is used by 11 states.