HOUSE OF DELEGATES

STANDING COMMITTEES

JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

Origins of the Judiciary Committee trace first to the Committee on Aggrievances, which began in 1692, and then to the Committee on Aggrievances and Courts of Justice which functioned by 1722 in the Lower House of the General Assembly. By 1751, the Committee was styled the Committee on Grievances and Courts of Justice. Under that name, the Committee continued until 1852. Some of the Committee's legislative concerns had been assumed in 1828 by the Crimes and Punishments Committee, a standing committee established that year. Responsibilities of both these committees were assigned to the new Judiciary Committee in 1852, when the House of Delegates established the Standing Committee on Judiciary. At its first legislative session following ratification of the Constitution of 1851, the House formed the Judiciary Committee to consider laws relating to a court system, newly altered by Maryland's second constitution.

Today, the Committee still considers legislation relating to judicial administration and court structure. It also is concerned with administrative law; correctional facilities and services; criminal and civil laws, penalties, and procedures; family law; juvenile justice; and the legal profession; legal rights and immunities; drunk and drugged driving and jailable motor vehicle offenses; and trusts and estates.

Twenty-two delegates serve on this committee (House Rules 17, 18; Code State Government Article, secs. 2-1102 through 2-1105).

SUBCOMMITTEES

Under the Judiciary Committee are four subcommittees: Civil Law and Procedure; Criminal Justice; Family Law; and Juvenile Law.

CIVIL LAW & PROCEDURE SUBCOMMITTEE
The Civil Law and Procedure Subcommittee formed in 1995.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SUBCOMMITTEE
In 1995, the Criminal Justice Subcommittee was established.

FAMILY LAW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Family Law Subcommittee began as the Family and Juvenile Law Subcommittee in 1995. In January 2003, that subcommittee divided to form the Family Law Subcommittee and the Juvenile Law Subcommittee.

JUVENILE LAW SUBCOMMITTEE
The Juvenile Law Subcommittee originated as the Family and Juvenile Law Subcommittee in 1995. That subcommittee was separated into the Juvenile Law Subcommittee and the Family Law Subcommittee in January 2003.

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