History of Reform Efforts: Maryland
Altering Selection Methods
Maryland's
constitution prescribes judicial term lengths and an appointive process for selecting judges. An executive order from the Governor creates the judicial nominating commissions that recommend candidates for appointment. Altering judicial term lengths or establishing a permanent merit selection process would require amending the constitution. Proposed amendments must be approved by a three-fifths vote of both houses of the legislature and ratified by a majority of voters.
