[1] During the colonial period, Charles I of England had granted Cecil Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, the authority to establish judicial tribunals in the Province of Maryland.
[1] Leonard Calvert's successors were appointed by the Lords Proprietary, and exercised powers and functions similar to those of its English counterpart.
[1] When America declared independence, the citizens of Maryland opted to retain this judicial structure, the only change being that the Chancellor would be appointed by the Governor of the State, by and with the consent of the council, and should hold his office during good behavior.
[1] Section 30 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights adopted at that time discusses the role of the Chancellor: That the independency and uprightness of Judges are essential to the impartial administration of justice, and a great security to the rights and liberties of the people; wherefore the Chancellor and all Judges ought to hold commissions during good behavior, and the said Chancellor and Judges shall be removed for misbehavior, on conviction in a court of law, and may be removed by the Governor upon the address of the General Assembly, provided that two-thirds of all the members of each House concur in said address.
[1] Other notable holders of this office include Alexander Contee Hanson Sr., William Kilty, and Theodorick Bland.