TMLL Research Guide - Chapter 8

Identifying State Court Structure and Reports

Each state has a unique court structure and the names of the various courts differ from state to state. When doing research in a particular jurisdiction, it is essential to know which court decided each case in order to evaluate its precedential weight. A quick way to determine the appellate structure and the names and abbreviations of the various courts is to consult Tables T. 1 and T. 7 of the Bluebook. Table T. 1 lists each United States jurisdiction, both federal and state, and provides the names of the courts, the reporters in which their decisions can be found, and how they should be cited. This table also lists statutory and administrative compilations.

Sample Bluebook information - Maryland

Maryland Court of Appeals (Md.) - highest appellate court

Maryland Court of Special Appeals (Md. Spec. App.) - intermediate appellate court