2022 Constitutional Amendments

Scott Scherr • November 16, 2022

2022 Constitutional amendments were passed in the election

On Election Day, we did not just vote for our favorite candidates. We also voted yes or no on several important Constitutional amendments that passed. Here are a few of them.


First, a Constitutional amendment passed authorizing individuals 21 years of age or older to use and possess marijuana legally. The legislature would have to pass laws regulating the use of cannabis. There would be strict regulation in terms of quantity, sale, taxation, and use.


Next, the Maryland appellate courts will get new names. Maryland's highest court, now called the Court of Appeals, will be called the Supreme Court of Maryland. Maryland's intermediate appellate court, now called the Court of Special Appeals, will be called the Appellate Court of Maryland. Previously, Maryland was one of only two states in the country whose highest court was called not called the Supreme Court.


State legislative  candidates will now be required to maintain a primary residence for six months in the district they will represent before the election. A temporary or part-time residence will not suffice.


In civil cases, the amount controversy must now be more than $25,000 to pray a jury trial. The current limit is $15,000. This will result in more cases being filed and staying in the District Court where people will receive quicker trial dates and it is less expensive to pursue litigation.


These amendments have been ratified by the Governor.


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