MARYLAND JUDICIAL CONFERENCE


ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

Organized in 1945, the Maryland Judicial Conference considers the status of judicial business in the various courts and improvements to court practice and procedure. It evaluates and recommends legislation and discusses proposals to improve the administration of justice and the judicial system in Maryland.

The Conference consists of all judges of the Court of Appeals, the Court of Special Appeals, the Circuit Courts, and the District Court of Maryland. The Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals serves as chair, and the State Court Administrator as executive secretary. Annually, the Conference meets in plenary session (Maryland Rule 16-802).

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Between annual sessions, work of the Maryland Judicial Conference is conducted by its Executive Committee and a number of other committees, as established by the Executive Committee in consultation with the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. Conference committees receive staff support from the Administrative Office of the Courts.

The Executive Committee consists of seventeen judges elected by their peers from all court levels in the State. Serving as ex officio nonvoting members are the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals, the Chair of the Conference of Circuit Judges, and the Chief Judge of the District Court of Maryland.

JUDICIAL INSTITUTE OF MARYLAND
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In 1981, the Judicial Institute of Maryland was formed by administrative order of the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals. The Institute is responsible to the Maryland Judicial Conference for all judicial education and training. The Institute develops, provides, and evaluates comprehensive, diverse and cost-effective continuing legal education for the judges of Maryland.

The Institute is governed by the thirteen-member Board of Directors, appointed by the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals.

SENTENCING GUIDELINES ADVISORY BOARD

The Sentencing Guidelines Advisory Board was formed in 1979. To increase equity in sentencing, the Board develops guidelines which articulate State sentencing policy and assist judges in sentencing.

Board members are judges, legislators, or other representatives of the criminal justice system.

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