# Courts and Judicial Proceedings (GCJ)

## Title 12. Appeals, Certiorari, and Certification of Questions

### Subtitle 2. Review of Cases Docketed in Appellate Court of Maryland

#### Section 12-201

Except as provided in Sec. 12-202 of this subtitle, in any case or proceeding pending in or decided by the Appellate Court of Maryland upon appeal from a circuit court or an orphans' court or the Maryland Tax Court, any party, including the State, may file in the Supreme Court of Maryland a petition for certiorari to review the case or proceeding. The petition may be filed either before or after the Appellate Court of Maryland has rendered a decision, but not later than the time prescribed by the Maryland Rules. In a case or proceeding described in this section, the Supreme Court of Maryland also may issue the writ of certiorari on its own motion.

#### Section 12-202

A review by way of certiorari may not be granted by the Supreme Court of Maryland in a case or proceeding in which the Appellate Court of Maryland has denied or granted:

(1) Leave to prosecute an appeal in a post conviction proceeding;

(2) Leave to appeal from a refusal to issue a writ of habeas corpus sought for the purpose of determining the right to bail or the appropriate amount of bail;

(3) Leave to appeal in an incarcerated individual grievance commission proceeding;

(4) Leave to appeal from a final judgment entered following a plea of guilty in a circuit court; or

(5) Leave to appeal from an order of a circuit court revoking probation.

#### Section 12-203

If the Supreme Court of Maryland finds that review of the case described in Sec. 12-201 of this subtitle is desirable and in the public interest, the Supreme Court of Maryland shall require by writ of certiorari that the case be certified to it for review and determination. The writ may issue before or after the Appellate Court of Maryland has rendered a decision. The Supreme Court of Maryland may by rule provide for the number of its judges who must concur to grant the writ of certiorari in any case, but that number may not exceed three. Reasons for the denial of the writ shall be in writing.

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Md. Code Ann., Cts. & Jud. Proc. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)