They share concurrent original jurisdiction in misdemeanor cases in which the penalty may be confinement for three years or more or a fine of $2,500 or more, and in certain felony cases. In criminal cases, the Circuit Courts generally have exclusive original jurisdiction over felonies (with many exceptions).

The District Court has exclusive jurisdiction in contract and tort cases for money damages where the amount in controversy is less than $5,000. However, if the amount in controversy exceeds $25,000, either party may remove an action filed in District Court to the Circuit Court by demanding a jury trial. The Circuit Courts share concurrent jurisdiction with the District Courts in such cases where the amount in controversy exceeds $5,000 but is less than $30,000.

In tort or contract cases for money damages where the amount in controversy exceeds $30,000, the Circuit Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction. Two notable exceptions are: (1) actions for replevin, in which the District Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction regardless of the value of the thing in controversy and (2) landlord- tenant matters, in which the District Court has exclusive original jurisdiction in all cases. In civil matters, the Circuit Courts have exclusive original jurisdiction in most cases in which equitable, declaratory, or injunctive relief is sought, or in which ownership of real property is to be determined. Įach Circuit Court also has its own Clerk, who is elected by the citizens of the county (or Baltimore City) to a four-year term. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maryland may assign a former judge to sit temporarily in any Maryland court, if approved by the administrative judge of the circuit in question. Judges must be at least 30 years old, qualified voters, members of the Maryland bar, and residents both of Maryland for at least five years and for at least 6 months of the place for which they are elected to serve. The Governor may fill vacancies by appointment until the next general election for the United States House of Representatives occurring after one year from the time the vacancy was created, except in cases where the vacancy is by expiration of term, in which case, the vacancy is filled until the next general election for U.S. Their salaries may not be diminished while in office. Judges of the Circuit Courts of Maryland are elected to 15-year terms in the general election. 8th Judicial Circuit (30 judges): Baltimore City.7th Judicial Circuit (32 judges): Calvert (3 judges), Charles (4 judges), Prince George's (23 judges) & St Mary's (3 judges) counties.6th Judicial Circuit (24 judges): Frederick (4 judges) & Montgomery (20 judges) counties.5th Judicial Circuit (18 judges): Anne Arundel (10 judges), Carroll (3 judges) & Howard (5 judges) counties.4th Judicial Circuit (7 judges): Allegany (2 judges), Garrett (1 judge) & Washington (4 judges) counties.3rd Judicial Circuit (21 judges): Baltimore County (16 judges) & Harford County (5 judges).2nd Judicial Circuit (7 judges): Caroline (1 judge), Cecil (3 judges), Kent (1 judge), Queen Anne's (1 judge) & Talbot (1 judge) counties.1st Judicial Circuit (7 judges): Dorchester (1 judge), Somerset (1 judge), Wicomico (3 judges) & Worcester (2 judges) counties.The state is divided into eight judicial circuits, which are presently as follows: The most senior judge in the circuit is the Chief Judge all other judges are Associate Judges. Each circuit encompasses two or more counties, except for the Eighth Circuit, which consists solely of Baltimore City. The Circuit Courts are grouped into eight judicial circuits. The number of judges on each of the Circuit Courts is set by statute. Each of Maryland's 23 counties and the independent city of Baltimore has its own Circuit Court.

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